Chartered manager Degree Appentice Review

On the CMDA scheme I complete 4 rotations around different areas of BT (1 per year). I study 1 day per week. The rest of my time is spent attending meetings, preforming administrative tasks along with project work regularly using Excel.

My excel skills have dramatically improved since starting, along with creating professional visuals in PowerPoint. My maths and English skills are regularly challenged, along with communication skills (verbal and written).

The chance to rotate to different areas of the business is great. I am currently on my third rotation and the experience I have gained is invaluable. It's allowed me to realise what I do and DO NOT like and has given me great options for the future.

1 year in each rotation is perfect, gives you the ability to experience how departments work individually and together to provide a great outcome for our customers. The 20% uni time, is a good chance for me to continue my development.

All managers are very friendly and are sensitive to our lack of experience. They allow us to take time to learn and progress in roles and do not through us in at the deep end. I do not have a bad word to say about any manager I have had at BT.

The one downside to my CMDA scheme... I feel we are quite often left to ourselves in terms of uni work. The teaching quality from the external provider is quite poor and inconsistent. However support from my skills coach and learning support is without fault.

I do learn a wide variety of skills from QA, from finance to project management to managing people. However much of the work is done independently away from workshops. The ACE team are great to improve maths and English skills + 121 workshops are exceptional.

Socially BT is a great place to work as an apprentice. There is a huge early career presence and you are certainly not left by yourself. In Birmingham we have upwards of 40 early career professionals who regularly meet up both in and out of work.

Yes

Coming into a huge organisation at a young age can be daunting. However the support I get from my peers along with managers is great. There is always somebody who will listen and help you with any task or issue you have no matter if its big or small.

Be honest about yourself, don't pretend to be somebody your not in your interview. As lots of questions and don't be afraid to speak up. Being the loudest in the room, doesn't always mean you are the best candidate.