Higher Software Apprentice Review

Higher Software Engineer. I work in the team responsible for BT's internal systems. For example HR, Finances, Property, Testing, Archiving systems (BT has hundreds of internal systems). I have a programming role, which I've carved out for myself. Other apprentices in the area have more management based roles - such as managing the delivery of projects where the fundamental dev work is outsourced to India. Testing software application is another popular role for apprentices in my area

Yes many technical, programming skills. It's really down to you to get what you want out of the apprenticeship - if it's your objective to use it as a learning experience, then that is by all means possible. We also attend university one day per week, of course I learn lots there.

The benefits are outstanding - you get full employee benefits (Share scheme, employee discount on phones and broadband, free university, pension scheme). Of course there are things I would change about the apprenticeship, but it's hard to complain when so much is on offer. I think the enjoyment of the apprenticeship definitely comes down to the individual and how on-board they are with working for BT and using this apprenticeship as a means to launch their career. Those who are happy to coast and don't apply themselves may find the apprenticeship boring.

I've received more internal recognition than I could've ever expected, there are plenty of opportunities to get noticed. You just have to say 'Yes' to the chances as they come.

This is one of the weaknesses of the programme from my experience. The apprenticeship coaches do their best, but at the end of the day you are one person, in a busy office, in a multi-national company. You can't expect your every need to be catered for, it's not like college or university. My manager tries to support me, and there are learning opportunities, but naturally everyone is occupied with their day job, you aren't their priority. It can sometimes feel like apprentices in my area are used as cheap labour - there's a lot of us in my area and it's typical for apprentices to leave my area once they graduate from the scheme.. the department doesn't seem to try to hold onto talent. It's also a lottery where you end up in the company - the apprentice coach and interviewer got to see my CV and personal statement, but my future line manager knew nothing about me when I joined.

Plenty, my apprenticeship coach is great and I enjoy university

People are too occupied with their day role to be able to drop everything and help you. You have to be able to act independently, which I'm sure you'd get used to when you join.

Can't complain - better than most apprenticeships

Yes there's loads of volunteering activities, and opportunities to see different parts of the business. I work in Adastral Park and there's tons of facilities on sites - loads of places to eat, do sport, hang out.. there's even a nature walk. Adastral Park double as an exhibition centre so there's often events going on

Yes

Great benefits, great opportunity. Best apprenticeship on offer in Suffolk, and surely one of the best in East Anglia.

Do some background research on BT before joining. Learn about yourself as a person - understanding your own strength and weaknesses, knowing what work you'll enjoy, and having an idea of what you'd like to do in the future (even a vague one) really helps in the interview.