Software/Networks Engineer Review

I have learnt a lot of skills regarding how to manage networks and building software tools to help us achieve this. I have learnt skills including TDD and learnt languages including Ruby and Rails. I have also gained skills that are transferable including presentation and how to maintain a personal brand.

Every day is different. I like the sense of variety that the role offers. Additionally, the great thing about the apprenticeship with BT is the opportunity to go to other departments and try different roles. If I’m not happy in one position, I can move to another with relative ease.

Very well structured. We have plenty of time to balance our studies with our working roles and our managers support this. In addition to being managed within the team, BT apprentices also have their own manager, who they can turn to if they have any queries or questions throughout their apprenticeship.

The support at BT is very good in terms of my individual manager, apprenticeship manager and apprenticeship coordinators. However, I feel that, with BT being such a large company, that it can often be difficult to find an answer to some questions that I have. It’s not always easy to know who I can go to for help.

Our training supplier has an agreement with BT and they have expectations in place. Over the years, BT and our training provider have worked closer together and this has been a real benefit. However, beyond the lecturers, the university can be difficult to communicate with in terms of final grade queries and other services.

It supports my learning, but in many respects I do feel like I learn more from being on the job. Often the topics covered by the university are not entirely relevant and their experience is not similar to my own. Therefore it can be difficult to ask questions on certain occasions to the lecturers.

There are sports facilities available at my office location as well as a gym, which is very good. I sometimes feel that the Martlesham office of BT is disconnected from the other larger offices in places like London and Birmingham. I know there are BT-wide clubs and groups but the Martlesham office is often left behind and excluded from these.

Yes

Excellent opportunities to learn while earning. There are not many places that pay apprentices a full wage as opposed to an apprenticeship wage and this does make you feel valued from the moment you walk through the doors at the office. They also support your development and will upskill you

Be open to everything and go into it with an open mind. Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. The adjustment to balancing work and study can seem daunting, but you will get used to it and there is support available from your managers.