Apprentice Software Engineer Review

by BT Group

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am a second year software engineer apprentice who sits within digital. I rotate to different teams periodically to gain insight and experience into different roles I could move to permanently so my day to day changes! I have been involved in network designs, agile app development and ITIL.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

In my short time with the business I have had the opportunity to lead projects, developed in various management frameworks, network architecture, network configuration, automation and dev ops. Working in various teams has enabled me to develop my professional skills in addition to these too.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have enjoyed my rotations and work. My colleagues are very friendly, helpful and are always pushing me to do bigger and better things at work. I have not only had the chance to learn from experienced colleagues but also got to deliver and lead on projects for the business.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

My programme is quite well structured, within my area I have had the chance to discuss and plan out my apprenticeship with my line manager. Our training provider is much less organised. Teaching could be massively improved and feedback often comes back late.

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

My managers and colleagues have provided lots of support as mentioned. The wider business feels less cohesive for supporting apprentices particularly outside of the big city offices. At Adastral it does feel like we are forgotten sometimes and we have less opportunities than other apprentices.

6/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Our training provider offer decent support one on one from our course leader however the overall teaching is not great. Assignments briefs can be ambiguous, teaching often feels poorly prepared and two modules completely irrelevant to our degree.

5/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I have been able to take some elements of my learning such as the networking modules and operating systems into the workplace. It does feel like however my job role has helped me prepare for assessments more than my course has helped in my role.

6/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

I have been invited to a few networking events around the business which have been great opportunities to meet other apprentices. There have been sport days on site too.

7/10

9a. Would you recommend BT Group to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Great place to launch your career, gain skills and the pay is decent. Especially in the area.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BT Group?

On the interview be confident, be friendly and make sure you have a glass of water with you! Its a long one.