Network Engineer Review
at BT Group
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Ipswich
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
3.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My role varies as i rotate every 6 months into a new department however i have spent most time in the power and environment team which involves me taking phones calls from engineers on site at exchanges as well monitoring alarms from exchanges all over the UK. I also manage the alarms as well whether that is creating or removing old alarms
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I really enjoy the work side of things. The rotations work really well as it gives you experience in different departments and different people. I do think the university side of things could be better as it is not really geared up to people who are new to networks however the support from BT has been strong to get people up to speed.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes, ive learnt lots of new skills and developed new ones. I have learnt how to use lots of different software from packet tracer to command prompts on windows systems. I've also learnt to do presentations and to be confident in myself. I suffer from depression and i still have a long way to go however so far so good.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Pretty strong, i have a 121 with my apprentice coach every 3 months to ensure i am on course to complete the apprenticeship. There are certain points i need to be at in my final year which i am currently in, therefore i have my more contact with my apprentice coach who helps with my organisation as this is something i struggle with
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I cannot fault BT for support, i have spoken about my apprenticeship coach previously who is always there for you and all you need to do is ask her. If she is on holiday then the employee assistance program is available which i am currently in the process of using.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
Support from the university of Suffolk is good however not from the lecturers. I have struggled with uni work previously and have spoken to the uni about it who have offered counselling and support however the lecturers aren't very good at helping individuals. Some do help however making time with your lecturer 121 for an hour is un heard of.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
To an extent it does. The equipment which BT uses is different from that of the uni's so it would be nice to have specific's used rather than information i may not ever need. I think scheduling helps and learning by yourself is beneficial for working at BT however i struggle with self learning and would like more guidance.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes there are alot, the company offer lots of different clubs such as the yacht club were you can learn sailing. Not really my thing however there are football pitches and tennis courts as well as lots of team events on site which i have got involved in and nearly won.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BT Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Its not a job its a career and its a life. I have worked for lots of companies and BT is the first company which i want to work for. I believe in their values and want to work for them rather than just looking forward to the pay check and finishing for the day.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BT Group?
Be confident even if your not. It doesnt matter what your grades are even if you have the bare minimum to apply. The main thing is that your willing to work, the company dont want educational geniuses who dont do anything, they want anyone who looks at something and says i can fix that and this is how.
