What did you do prior to your Apprenticeship?
Before Joining BT in October 2019, I studied A Level qualifications in Business, Geography & ICT. I joined BT once I completed these qualifications. It was daunting joining a Corporate company at 18 straight from school, but I haven’t looked back since!
Tell us a little bit about your Apprenticeship Scheme?
BT offers Apprenticeships in a range of fields including Customer Service, Engineering, Sales, Digital and many more! My specific scheme is as a Network Engineer - Digital and Technology Solutions based in London. This is a Degree level course meaning once I complete the course successfully, I will obtain a bachelor’s degree from BT’s University partners. The course runs for four years and is a work-based learning degree.
I work on real projects, learning skills and experience needed to work within a networking role. I learn how to design, build, test, configure, troubleshoot, monitor and optimise networks.
What teams have you been involved in as an Apprentice so far?
My Digital Apprenticeship scheme means I’m lucky enough to rotate to various teams within BT! I do this twice a year.
So far, I’ve worked in BT Media and Broadcast. They bring the best media experience to the broadcast industry. I worked with one specific customer the BBC assisting with commercials for technical solutions. My next rotation and currently, I am working in Service Platforms Delivery PMO another great team! The Service Platforms part of BT owns the end to end delivery and operations of market leading premium products and services e.g. BT Sport and BTTV.
Why did you choose the Apprenticeship Pathway?
Perusing an Apprenticeship route was something I always had in mind as my top career priority. I knew that it would open doors. I still wanted to obtain a Degree but not the traditional way. The Apprenticeship Programme offered me a salary, no tuition fees and 4-years work experience. My learning style has always been hands on, and this program suited that.
What would you say to people considering an Apprenticeship?
Go for it! I’d recommend joining an industry and a company you have a genuine interest in and align their values with yours. Mine was Technology & Innovation so BT was perfect! Be prepared, this isn’t an easy option - balancing work, life and studies will have its challenges, but a challenge well worth taking!
Tell us some of the other things you get up to as an Apprentice!
As an Apprentice we also engage in other activities. Pre-COVID we attended careers fairs to help support students and raise awareness on the opportunities being an Apprentice brings. We also host and run a work experience, internal visits and mentoring for students! We’ve now moved all these activities to a virtual setting! Which is great that we can still support students with their career choices, especially given the current pandemic.
Tell us something interesting about BT?
BT Tower London moves over 16,000 hours of content a day! Also, BT AgileMedia’s RIDE Platform handles viewer interaction for the UK’s biggest TV Shows such as X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Strictly Come Dancing and Big Brother. It also runs competitions for This Morning, Loose Women amongst others.
Future Aspirations?
As for the future who knows where It will take me! My hopes are to graduate from my Apprenticeship with a first in my bachelor’s degree. I also want to secure a full-time role in BT. I’d hope to join one of the teams I’ve been lucky enough to work with throughout my scheme!
How do I Apply for a BT Apprenticeship?
Decide which scheme most interests you. Ensure you have the entry level requirements. Next, is the application process. Consisting of an application form, online assessment, video interview and assessment centre.
Apply and Browse BT Apprentice Roles Here: Apprentices - Early careers - Careers | BT Pl
Apprentices - Early careers - Careers | BT Pl
