TSO Advanced Apprentice – Electronics Engineer Review

I work on AXE10 and System X systems assisting with faults to maintain the network. As a result of this I have also learnt to process spares, to ensure they get repaired keeping the spares in a functional order. I have also started to work on build learning to splice fibre. I have also been learning how to provide and cease Hydra connections.

I have learnt a lot of new skills mainly to do with the commands on both AXE10 and System X in how to communicate with the systems. I have also learnt to use the Operating manuals in order to help identify the faults I come across. I am also in the process of learning how to splice fibre.

I really enjoy learning all the new things and I find it all very interesting. I sometimes find it frustrating that I can't learn more quicker and wish there were more online training courses or materials that I could reference or even follow. I have tried to use my completed tasks to create my own step-by-step guide, which has been quite useful on occasion.

Unfortunately, I do feel the programme does lack in structure. I believe that there could be a lot more classes or training materials available. For people like me it can be hard as I struggle with learning sometimes and as I am coming in with little to no knowledge of the systems it would be good to have some courses to provide a basic understanding of the systems and processes. The apprenticeship team however are very supportive and helpful.

The amount of support received is phenomenal. However, it can be difficult to recognise what you may need support on. The new academy page for example doesn't list mandatory training so you need to know what training you need in advance in order to find it and complete it. It is still worth mentioning anyone you do contact is always happy to help when and if they can.

Due to Covid-19 my college work has not been completed as of yet and it has been very difficult to contact the relevant people to get information about when I will be able to attend college to complete this. Obviously these are extenuating circumstances, but this has been very frustrating for me and has caused me some anxiety. Even now I have no answers.

I believe on completing the qualification I will have a better understanding of these systems. When originally attending I found it to be very helpful and useful. The atmosphere provided was great because it really put me at ease and allowed me to ask any question I needed. I never felt my question was silly which was very comforting and helpful.

There are many activities that anyone can get involved in and the best place to find the is on workplace. The apprentice team are also very good at communicating about different activities that can benefit you and help with you apprenticeship as well. The BT homepage also shows in a newsletter form activities people have performed in a celebrate their achievements inspiring others to get involved.

Yes

I believe BT on the whole is a wonderful company to work for. Working here I have spoken to many employees who have been here for 30+ years and it is inspiring to hear this. There are not many companies that can retain there staff for so long so BT is clearly doing something right. Everyone should get to work for an employer that makes you feel heard, safe and valued.

I would simply say if you are enthusiastic show it. If you are keen to learn there are many opportunities. The network is always growing and BT monopolise the area for good reason do research on the company and see why it will be a great fit for you as well as how you may be able to add to it.