Advanced Apprentice Network Engineer Review

My current job role requires me to pick up jobs from my terminal and complete FTTP(Fibre To The Premises) stage 1 installations. This could be anywhere within the area of Kent. I have to ensure that I follow all health and safety guidelines and submit forms for jobs that cannot be completed on the day.

Yes. I have learnt many new skills including being able to set up and use road works and guarding to protect myself and others from harm. I have learnt how the copper network works and have participated in rebuilding the network after it was damaged. I have also learnt how the fibre network operates and have fixed damaged lines as well as install the new network.

I do enjoy the programme but there have been some problems with some apprentices being told something which has either turned out to not be true or has been misunderstood.

I feel somewhat valued by BT/Openreach. There is an internal recognition service that we can use but to my knowledge there is not a number or email address where a customer can contact BT/Openreach and I have had to tell customers that we do no have this service when they have wanted to phone in to tell them I have done a job that exceeds there satisfaction.

The programme is well organised with only 1 issue where I didn't have a trainer but this was quickly resolved to get a trainer out to us so we weren't delayed in getting out to our buddy's.

I feel I get a lot of support from my NVQ coach who arranges days to complete our NVQ/EILP work around our 4 day working week and training days that we have throughout the year.

I feel like I get access to a lot of support from BT but I haven't needed to use any of these services yet

The salary for an apprentice is very good there does seem to be an issue with no one knowing what wage I will be on after I finish my apprenticeship which has caused a bit of concern but I have asked my manager to look into this for me

There are plenty of opportunities outside of work including TAN which is an online network set up solely for apprentices. I receive regular email from the company about charity and social events that have been organised but I have not attended any as of yet

Yes

Overall BT is a great employer who offers a lot of training and skills. The apprentice wage is very good and the fact you get a van keeps cost down for me getting to and from work. There are a few issues but no matter what company you work for you will always get these.

Spend time writing your application and make sure you read and re-read it before you submit it. Prepare a lot for the interview and have loads of questions on hand to ask when you are there, the more information you know about the job the better and easier the interview will be.