Switch and Transmission Engineer. Review

On a day to day basis I am learning to become a Switch and Transmission Engineer, I therefore have been partnered with a buddy who teaches me the daily tasks. My daily tasks includes working on Switch equipment as well as Transmission. At the moment I am heavily focusing on AXE10 and System X. My daily interactions can include various phone calls including those to my manager, apprentice coach and other apprentices.

Since joining BT I have learnt a range of skills, although these take a while to develop I can confidently say I learn something new on a daily basis! I have also been really lucky and have attended a variety of different training courses. These include both first aid, safety courses (ladders etc.) and some based around the equipment I will be fixing in the near future as an individual. I also am partnered with my buddy so I am able to learn new skills and develop those skills when fixing faults.

So far I am enjoying my apprentice programme, I especially like how BT work as a company, all those I have spoke to have been really kind and offered help and support throughout. To make sure our immediate team communicate we have regular team meetings to discuss our work. So far BT has met my expectations and I am enjoying being an Apprentice.

As an Apprentice I feel very valued at BT, this is because from the very beginning they made it clear that Apprentices were the future of the company. I also feel valued as they arrange many trips and events for Apprentices to get involved with. It is also nice as I have received feedback from seniors of the company therefore it shows they care about their Apprentices and how we are getting on.

At our induction, they were very organised as there were so many apprentices. The programme has a frame work and therefore is very structured to what they want us to achieve by the end of the three years. As well as this we are given study days/time to focus on the academic side of the programme. Our NVQ is supported through our apprentice coach, Lee has been fantastic and is approachable as well as providing great support. I also have a mentor (Laura Pocock) who provides me with great support and advice for my programme.

I have many people to turn to for support throughout the programme. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is a fantastic source and provides me with guidance with any issues I have with the NVQ. I can't fault the attitude towards both [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] and the apprentice team (apprentice manager - [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions]) as they are always happy to support you throughout. So far, when contacting people through BT everyone is happy to answer any questions or advise you on expanding your learning.

My manager [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] always makes it clear that if I ever need to contact him about any query I am able to through both email and phone calls. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is very supportive and understanding through any support I need. My mentor [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] has been great to go to for any advice I need for anything regarding BT, she has enabled me to expand my knowledge of different areas of the business. My buddy [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is very supportive and is always happy to go over anything I am struggling with or need a deeper explanation for. With this access of support, I feel confident to approach colleagues about needing support on learning more about faults or any questions I may have.

I am aiming to buy a property in the next few years so therefore a lot of my salary is going towards this. Comparing BT to other companies, they offer their BT Apprentices a generous salary. They also have many different things put in place, to help those who are struggling in the company. BT also have the expenses system where we are able to claim back particular costs for a things in relation to BT. For example, when away for a course, I was able to claim back hotel costs and meals.

BT make sure they provide a range of different company events and activities. Many of these you apply for. I have been very luck and managed to be successful in applications and therefore have visited the BT Sports studios as well as being involved with a conference all with Clive Selly. BT also encourage us to get involved with voluntary activities, since joining I have been going round local school events and promoting BT as a company and encouraging females to get involved with Engineering (STEM Ambassador). When I am not working, I think it is important to stay active, I therefore still attend dance lessons and my acrobatic gymnastics. This is very important for me as it allows me to step back from work for a break.

Yes

I would recommend BT to a friend as there are a variety of different programmes that they could enrol in. I truly believe there is a role that could suit anyone with BT. I also would recommend BT to a friend as it is a supportive company who looks after and cares for their apprentices well. I hope BT will be able to provide me with the stepping stones to keep expanding and progressing with my career aspirations - so far I believe they are.

I think people assume those who work for BT are very technical and advanced in their roles. The person applying should remember they are just people like themselves and as long as you want to achieve and be apart of BT, the company would be able to see your potential. I also believe it is important that you do research into the company so you are able to get a understanding of what we stand for. In the next two weeks I am assisting as an Apprentice with assessment days, so I am looking forward to seeing a different side of how the company deals with the application progress.