Apprentice - Spine Planning Review
at BT Group
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Cardiff, UK
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Designing and planning of the fibre spine network in accordance with network policy for all programmes. Resolve any fibre network issues that are identified by the field.
Calculate estimated plan and build costs before obtaining financial approval to proceed. Resolve problems; capacity challenges, overhead or complex civils solutions. Using multiple bespoke systems to achieve this. Liaising daily with internal and external stakeholders to successfully delivery for our customers.
Calculate estimated plan and build costs before obtaining financial approval to proceed. Resolve problems; capacity challenges, overhead or complex civils solutions. Using multiple bespoke systems to achieve this. Liaising daily with internal and external stakeholders to successfully delivery for our customers.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I am currently on week 10 of the 18 months apprenticeship, and I am really enjoying it. My Line Managers and learning staff work hard to ensure that all things go smoothly despite Covid-19 measures and restrictions being in place the learning pathway is well organised despite being the first block of this type of apprenticeship.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I am a former Service Delivery Engineer and worked on the Copper network repairs and installations, I have now come across to the planning side mainly dealing with fibre optics and supporting Openreach's expansive Full Fibre Build Network programme in the UK. I have learnt over the past 8 weeks lots of information on Underground work, Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and cabling works, this will then be consolidated when trained in bespoke planning tools to support FTTP programmes in the office environment. I am utilising my previous knowledge of the network to help bolster new skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Continuing on from previous comment, the programme is well organised and structured with a good blend of practical, classroom and Microsoft Teams online instruction. there is also good e-learning courses to complete, there is a weekly catch up Teams meeting for those out in the field and this is a good time to report on progress. Time is also set aside when in the field for NVQ learning at home.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The support I get has previously mentioned is second to done with regular catch up calls and support if and when required, training is planned well in advance and despite covid-19 measures is delivered either through teams or in strict covid controlled classroom where e-learning/remote learning not possible.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The support from ALS is at the right level they give you clear instructions on what is required and if support s required the assessor is there to provide it an give constructive feedback when a outcome is summitted. Also we have regular catch up days over teams which is good to advise on progress.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The NVQ level III, helps me a update on my experiences gained over time and allows me to conduct more research into my role and expand on my current knowledge and learn more about the internal systems and ethics involved in the company it also gave me a good insight into the ethics of the company.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Due to the Corona Virus much have that as been put on hold, put we have conducted network events and the learning provider provided a good extra module on learning Welsh which was welcomed and very good to catch up on being a semi Welsh Speaker. It will be good after the pandemic if some social activities could occur.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BT Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The Company are excellent to work for the are supportive to your needs and there is a good training framework in place which is clear and achievable. The Line Managers are pro-active to your needs and health and Safety is paramount at all times whether working from home or in the field. There are also lots of benefits for working for Openreach i.e. Free/subsidised broadband, TV and mobile telephone, excellent pension scheme, share schemes and much more.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BT Group?
Go for it they are well established telecommunications company and ever expanding as the desire for a faster network develops and Openreach are at the forefront of this full fibre network build. There are lots of job roles to suit everyone's ability whether it be Trainee Engineer, Civil Engineer or Customer Support. You require no qualifications for the majority of the roles and the training given is second to done. The application process is smooth and undaunting and the rewards are excellent!
