Applied Research Apprentice Review

Researching, designing and implementing the newest technology to either streamline existing services/products or create new ones. Our research is then downstreamed and implemented elsewhere. We get to work with new, expensive, experimental tech and apply it to different scenarios. We explore fields such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, internet of things and many more

In 6 months I have learnt 3 new programming languages, how to develop android applications, the basics of networking, how to give good presentations and improved my both technical and interpersonal skills. I use multiple languages such as Java, python, BASH, C#, HTML, CSS, XML, JSON in various different environments.

I love using new technology that is both too expensive and in too short of supply for me to be able to use normally and not only use it but develop for it too. I have experienced virtual reality devices such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive as well as augmented reality devices like the Microsoft HoloLens and Google Glasses.

You are given more than enough time for your university work as each week one of your days is dedicated towards doing purely university work, whether that be workshops on Adobe Connect, E-learning on the Exeter Learning Environment or coursework towards one of our modules. For the other 4 days you do actual project work and this is well balanced.

My line manager is always extremely supportive and able to help me with whatever problems I may have, both to do with actual work and the working environment. My rotation manager (the person in charge of my actual project work) is always on hand to help me with any technical issues i may have.

Not only do get a rotation manager and line manager, as an apprentice you have a course mentor who you can raise any issues with the course at all with. All lecturers are very quick to reply over email and always happy to help you, whether it be asking questions or giving you extra learning opportunities.

Most of the modules that you learn about link well to the work I do for BT. For example I've recently completed a module in database design which was immediately helpful when it came to building a datastore for holding sound samples for data analytics. The degree requires me to regularly present to other students and lecturers. This is extremely helpful in building my confidence and fluency helping me present to stakeholders and other apprentices.

Colleagues regularly organise trips to pub and days out. This helps team moral. There is also a leisure society at the campus which organises sports clubs and runs a gym. A language club exists for those who wish to learn french. BT is twinned with telephone francais and there are occasionally exchange visits.

Yes

BT is a dynamic and exciting place to work. They certainly value research and innovation - BT is one of the top european companies for investing in research. Colleagues are friendly, helpful and expert in their subject area. There's also regular engagement with academia which ensures that BT is abreast of the cutting edge technologies.

I'm often asked to speak to prospective apprentices. They are often worried that they wont attain the necessary grades. What they should realise, is that often BT recruiters are looking for skills other than academic performance. It's important to be articulate, enthusiastic and willing to work hard. These are traits that are difficult to teach.