Telecommunications Engineer Review

I currently work on the Global MPLS platform, communicating with colleagues all over the globe for engineer visits. Use configurations to troubleshoot router faults and report this to third-line support or global colleagues to organise said engineer visits. In addition to this, i am studying for vendor accreditation exams to help further my career.

I have gathered a general understanding of our network which is very important for my role as i need wide-scale knowledge for when it comes to progressing my projects and fault tickets and understanding who to contact to progress them. I've also developed good communication skills between colleagues, contractors and external individuals for effective progress on projects and faults.

I very much enjoy the whole learning process of our apprenticeship, both through work and from my university lectures. The lack of communication between the two parties however, makes the whole process of the apprenticeship very strenuous and frustrating. Teams i have worked on are very enjoyable and made me progress my skills and knowledge at a fast and effective rate.

The programme is organised in some places, with a thorough timetable of what we are learning and when, as well as outlining assignments and projects far in advance so we know what to expect. Support for the apprenticeship side of things has also become more thorough when it comes to completing occupational briefs and vendor accreditations.

The support is very thorough. From a management perspective, the support is great, especially considering they are an ex apprentice so they're support for my apprenticeship is genuine and relatable. It's beneficial having a relatable figure for support and they progress issues very thoroughly. From an apprenticeship assessment side of things, support has become more thorough.

Towards the latter end of our apprenticeship, the support has increased tenfold, with our apprenticeship provider giving more and more support for our varying vendor exams, interviews, occupational briefs and regular reviews for guidance. Support is also accessible whenever necessary as the providers is just an instant message away for advice.

Not very much. The skills we have learnt in university aren't transferrable or relatable to our day to day work. Only some areas of the business have this cross over and even then, it is very far between. What we are taught would be more beneficial for a LAN or a smaller degree, rather than the national or some cases international infrastructure.

Occasional extra curricular activities available at BT. There are lecture-style meetings in addition to stands, Q&As and AMAs to learn about other parts of the business, both relatable and non-relatable to your current line of business. Sport is very common, with plenty of facilities available on site, as well as outside of work time.

Yes

I would recommend BT to a friend just for the sheer amount of opportunity available to anyone of any ability. Business is constantly changing and there is always something new everyday to deal with, new people to communicate with and learn from and with a sense of achievement when solving a problem or directing/training someone else to solve one too.

Just be yourself. Being yourself is the best way to expand your network for future opportunity. Have an eagerness to work but also to learn. Learning, for myself, is the most fun and important part of working, and is very easy to implement these new skills into work. Be prepared to take risks.