Network Synchronisation Engineer Review

My role involves validating and testing equipment that has synchronisation capabilities before it goes into BT's network to ensure that the equipment in BTs network keeps synchronised. This ensures that BT's customers can have a better service through correctly timed network. In addition to the various testing, I look after the lab where all of the equipment is tested for validation to ensure that the team can utilise the space that we have and making sure that the lab is maintained for health and safety.

Since joining BT, my team have ensured I have been on the training courses which are relevant to my role which has helped me progress my career in this area. I can successfully use the test equipment provided, been on training courses to help me understand the equipment in the BT network and how they bring timing and synchronisation to the network. I have been on health and safety courses to ensure that my colleagues and I are always safe when carrying out work with AC/DC equipment.

The programme is really good in the fact that my team give me the independence to carry out my role but are always there to assist in any situation. Alongside this, going to University once a week helps break up the week get to understand future technologies and what is already out there.

I feel extremely valued at BT as whoever I work with they understand you're an apprentice and make the time to explain what the work is and what impact this work will have for the customer making it important to complete. My manager shows his appreciation in our 1-to-1s where he encourages me to work on what I've already achieved and apply that to other work. At BT you can have 3 days volunteering a day which makes a great way of helping the community or with assisting the younger generation enjoy technology. An example of this was British Science Week where I helped primary school children understand bandwidth which was a great. After this I received an e-card from the organisers to show recognition and appreciation of helping out with the event.

The programme is well structured as I have a good working relationship with my team who understand I am out at University once a week and also have a study day to give me the time to complete assignments and NVQ work. If there is ever any issues, the apprentice development team always want to help solve any issue with work/University/NVQ.

Support is always available from the University of Suffolk where the tutors are happy to give additional support, whether that is through email or even attending the workplace to help with any issues with assignments and exams.

I receive a lot of support from my employer where I can go away from the operation work and study for exams and assignments. My manager always ensures I am up to date with my University and NVQ work and gives me the additional time if there's ever an issue with these which helps me do the best I can operationally and when studying. I also have my apprentice coach who always gives time and support with any issues.

As an apprentice the salary is good where I can have a good work/life balance and in addition to this my employer pays for the University course which helps not having student debt.

There are many opportunities outside work such as volunteering in the community to help others.

Yes

BT gave me the opportunity to develop myself with a wide skill set which I can use for the rest of my career and giving training to continue to further myself.

One piece of advice I would give applicants is be enthusiastic about what you enjoy and how you'd like to develop yourself. BT is a company which wants to help you progress your career when you're employed here and if you're showing you're willing to learn they will give you opportunities.