Radio Platform Team Apprentice Review

I work on the software side of the team, implementing new features and maintaining our internal radio website which contains data on all of the radio sites and links used by BT. I work on the website so that is it easier for riggers to view information or complete tasks with the data, e.g. creating report pages that select specific information for the user so they don't have to spend time manually doing it themselves. I also work on other software related tasks when projects are established, working in multiple different software languages to perform fulfil the need of the task.

I have worked in multiple software languages: JavaScript, VB.net, Python, SQL, C, HTML and CSS. Developing the existing knowledge I had in: JavaScript, SQL, HTML and CSS. Through my college course, I have learnt an overview of how networks work by learning about: their structure, the protocols they use, how network devices work individually and as part of a network. Through starting university, I have gained a more in depth knowledge about networks, as well as learning about computer platforms - consisting of how computer components work and interconnect.

I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship and I am extremely happy. I am particularly happy with the opportunities I have had to develop my knowledge through multiple internal and external courses. Having completed a BTEC I have been given the opportunity to undertake a BSc degree course to greatly expand my knowledge on a vast number of software topics.

The apprenticeship is structured very well, having close interaction with your apprentice coach to make sure that you are completing work as and when you need to. My coach sets me regular deadlines in regards to my NVQ to make sure that I complete it before the end of my apprenticeship, allowing me to assimilate into my team.

I have received an extremely large amount of support from both my team, the apprentice team and wider colleagues. In particular, I received a large amount of support from my line manager when trying to apply for a degree, giving me the opportunity to greatly improve my skills in the field I want to work in. My team has been extremely flexible, allowing me to work on the software side of the team even though I originally applied for a networks position. They have been very supportive through my apprenticeship thus far, allowing me to choose the career path that I want to pursue.

Both the providers for my BTEC and degree have been very supportive when completing their courses. The teachers have made sure that they are approachable as much as possible and always have time to help if you need it. Even after the class/lecture has ended, they have been there to answer any question you have 1 to 1 and whilst on my BTEC, often ran tutorial sessions after class for those who wanted to solidify their knowledge.

My BTEC has given me a very good knowledge base on networks even though I don't currently work in a network oriented role. The skills that I learnt allowed me to understand what is happening behind the scenes, helping me to understand why some problems occur. The BTEC is extremely relevant to any networks role and even though I currently work in software it was very beneficial. As I am starting to complete a software degree, the knowledge I will learn through this will directly relate to my work and will allow me to complete work better as I will have a greater knowledge set.

There are many opportunities for apprentices to network with other people. I have seen a large variety of sports teams advertised or just sporting events if you wanted to have fun. There are also a large amount of professional events which include things such as: learning more about other areas of the business, knowledge events with internal and external speakers.

Yes

The amount of support and knowledge that you receive in your role is invaluable. Through my apprenticeship, I have been given the opportunity to learn a large amount about multiple different areas (networks and software) and have essentially been given the choice of what work within the team I want to work on. If I wanted to work on networks instead of software my team would have facilitated this so that I could learn and start my career in the field of my choice.

Show that you are excited to work at BT and that you have a drive to learn and develop yourself. Anything you want to learn related to your role you can learn, as long as you are motivated to work for it. As long as you meet the minimum requirements to apply, all that matters is that you show you are willing to learn and be yourself!