Applied Research Degree Apprentice Review

Innovation is at the heart of BT's business. My R&I team works with cutting edge new technology to explore how both BT and BTs customers can benifit from them. For the first 2 years I am working in a number of technical areas with world-leading teams using science and engineering to help solve problems. Once a week working towards a BSc(Hons) in digital and technology solutions.

From working with world leading teams I have advanced my skills In science and engineering. Learning how to adapt these skills to help solve problems. At BT we work on real projects that can effect consumers so responsibility and perservierience to solve the problem are two skills also developed on the programme.

I get to work with lots of exciting new technologies and in a variety of teams, meaning I'm not restricted as to where I want to take my career. Getting work experience and a degree, all whilst getting paid is a great alternative to university for me. I really enjoy my programme

The introduction to my apprenticeship was very well organised with equipment needed given to me ASAP and brilliant support on how to set everything up. As a research apprentice we rotate every 6 months and therefore should have a strategic work plan to what tasks we have for the 6 months and a list of possible future rotations.

At BT I am working with world leading experts in the technology field from PhD professors to ex lecturers there's always someone in the the office who is willing to help if you are stuck. As an apprentice not only is there a rotation manager but you also have a line manager and a university coorider always there to help with any issues you may have.

As per our contract we are given atleast one day a week as a designated uni day, this allows us to get the majority of the work done. However, everyone in the work place is completely understanding about how we are partaking in a full degree as well as a full time job and therefore if we identify that we are struggling can be given extra time and more support. (especially from older apprentices and graduates).

The university course that I am completing links well with the work I am completing. My team make sure I keep up to date with my uni work and allow my tasks to compensate the modules. The interpersonal skills module linked to the demos and presentations I was completing and now moving on to python I am completing tasks using python so both uni and my job compliment each other.

BT isn't just a block of offices on site there is: a gym, a sports hall (with a range of possible actives for example badminton or basketball) there are also tennis courts and a club house with darts snooker and a table tennis table and that's just on site! BT runs a number of different classes like circuit training spinning box fit and even runs its very own charity sports day. BT also take part in many charity events such as the 3 peaks challenge the great East Swim and a number of different events you can attend. Its not only sports the apprentices also have social events like bowling and day trips to BTs Venues. There are book clubs, language clubs and other clubs to get involved with in spare time.

Yes

If you can get a degree apprenticeship in a field of work you are interested in it is stupid not to apply for it it's everything you get from university and more, making it much easier to progress your career faster and get used to the working environment before you finish your career not to even mention the fact you avoid the student debt! BT especially has so many amazing oppurtunies within the technology field and being such a flexible workplace i have never felt restricted in what I can do and my future career path.

Showing that you're pasisonate and enthusiastic about: Making the world a better place by the power of communication And learning BTs values: Personal simple brilliant And the meaning behind them definietly puts you a step forward. Get work experience within the technology field also puts you ahead of other applicants with little to no experience.