Delivery, Operations and Support Apprentice Review

My role sees me working in the 20C Transmissions department within BT's Network Operation Centre. On a day-to-day basis, my job role involves diagnosing faults on BT's transmission networks, and either rectifying them remotely or co-operating with field engineers to bring the faulty equipment back into service. Tasks within this role include ordering spare equipment and prioritising work based on the amount of customers/service affected.

I have picked up a wide range of new skills, big and small, since starting the programme. I have developed communication skills through co-operating over the phone with on-site engineers, and have also picked up a greater technical knowledge of network faults and how they can be addressed through my first-hand experience of analysing these.

I would say I enjoy the apprenticeship programme to a strong extent. The fact that I started alongside a cohort of like-minded and similar aged new joiners meant that the initial transition process was smooth, and I have enjoyed taking on work as part of a wider department/team. The learning process of both on-hand experience paired with university study is also an enjoyable way of gaining both practical and theoretical knowledge in my opinion.

Overall, my programme is fairly well organised/structured. Weekly team meetings as well as monthly 1-2-1s are held with my line manager to track my progress, set goals for the future and address any concerns I may have. The only weakness in structure/organisation I would point out is the lack of communication regarding rotating departments, which I felt could have been mentioned further in advance.

I receive a good amount of support from my employer. A study day each week is provided to give me a chance to consolidate and revise my university studies, something I feel BT as a company should be praised for. As previously mentioned, regular meetings are also held in which I can voice any issues I may have, and receive support from my line manager in addressing this. This has worked successfully in the past when I have come to my line manager and department lead with concerns.

A good level of support is provided - the company put 'Apprentice coaches' into place to oversee our progress on the programme and have provided sessions in the past to assist with tasks needed to achieve our qualifications i.e. completion of Employee Rights' documents. Additionally, a university day and study is provided each week to help apprentices work towards degree qualifications.

I believe my qualification will significantly aid my performance at work, as it will provide me with a richer bank of theoretical knowledge upon which to base my practical skills. Additionally, it will help prepare me for key workplace scenarios such as meeting deadlines, time management and prioritisation of workload. Having this theoretical knowledge will leave me better equipped to work independently and with confidence.

There is a whole host of social and sporting activities available to employees at BT. On site at Adastral Park, there is a gym, tennis courts and football pitches for employee use, and the company provides lots of opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities such as dodgeball tournaments and charity cocktail evenings.

Yes

I would recommend BT to a friend because of the sheer scope of job roles on offer - for example, apprenticeships are available in multiple departments from software to research and innovation, and the internal rotation schemes allow employees to gain experience in a range of different roles. The extrinsic benefits that come with the job are also worth recommending (i.e. extra-curricular activities and shares programmes for example).

My advice would be to do your research into the company, find about it's three values and try and decide which department you would be best suited to. It's worth remembering that what BT want from you is not always immediate intelligence and knowledge, but an enthusiasm and eagerness to take on new challenges.