Telecommunications engineer Review
at BT Group
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Engineering, Information Technology
Bournemouth
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.2 /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
3.8/5
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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:
4/5
My role is a FND Ethernet cabling engineer which basically involves interpreting job packs and installing fibre cables in the ground from a node to a customer ready for the jointers to connect it. The Ethernet team work on direct fibre routes so we often feed fibre to businesses who have paid a lot more for a direct fibre feed which means faster internet speeds.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have just finished my apprenticeship now but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience learning new skills and felt it was a good step into the job being surrounded with fellow trainees. It has also provided me with an extra qualification and I felt supported by my NVQ assessor throughout the experience.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
With regards to my apprenticeship I have enhanced my IT skills and feel more proficient using outlook, Microsoft teams and excel and I have also learnt a lot regarding safeguarding, HR and where to go in the business if I have any queries/issues. With my job role, I have learnt how to do the job, how to use various equipment, the differences between copper and fibre and how complex it is.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I think the programme structure is pretty achievable, manageable and properly integrated into your first year without feeling overwhelmed. For the first 3 months of my apprenticeship, I solely focused on training and buddying with other engineers to gain experience. Over the first year, alongside the NVQ, I have found my feet more. Of course COVID-19 hasn’t helped as many training courses have been cancelled but I felt that the programme recognised this.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Throughout my apprenticeship I have felt well supported by my manager and team and they have given me ample support, encouragement and patience to help me learn how to do the job safely. I think it has helped that in my job role, I primarily work in a team as I feel like it may be more difficult if I came in as a service delivery engineer.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Throughout my apprenticeship I have had regular sessions with my NVQ assessor to ensure I complete my portfolio on time and to a high standard. Due to COVID-19, all sessions have been remote but I have still felt supported and prepared and felt comfortable sitting my ICT key skills exam.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I think the whole process in getting the qualification helped me perform better in my role as it taught me where to look if I am ever stuck or need help. Also through the qualification, my ICT skills have improved which has made me feel more confident when sending emails and submitting A55’s as I know that I am turning out quality work.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
At the minute due to COVID there are very few opportunities for extra curricular activities and I have yet to explore these as COVID restrictions were put in place a month after I joined the business. I know that there are opportunities to join the BCS, IET and ITP to liaise with other like minded people on our sector.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BT Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The job has given me a lot of confidence. I was a bit hesitant joining a male dominated industry but the job is inclusive regardless of your gender and I feel just as accepted as my male colleagues. The pay is decent, there are job progression opportunities and the company is nationwide so accessible to all regions of the UK.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BT Group?
I would say to go for it as long as you are physically capable as it can be quite a physically demanding job and it is also not ideal for anyone with a fear of heights as telegraph poles can be quite daunting. Don’t be afraid of what “society” deems as a male or female job, it’s fun to prove people wrong.
