Trainee Engineer Review
at BT Group
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Guildford, Surrey
Review Submitted: May 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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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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 to install and maintain the telecoms network, I have been put on as a cabling engineer which means I am mainly responsible for cabling activities. This includes installing new cables, at the moment I am part of a fibre build, so will be blowing fibre through subducts as well as the usual method. I have also been test rodding and roping- looking for blockages in ducts where the cable will be blown through and other potential problems that may arise when doing the fibre build.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship, I am learning lots of new skills and have the opportunity to take part in lots of extra training. I am enjoying being in the field and being part of building the fibre network. I am excited to get on a complete the course over the next few months.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learned lots of new skills, I have done a Signing, Lighting and Guarding course which has taught me the correct way to put put traffic management on roads and also how to work safely when working on footpaths. I have learned several cabling techniques on a Cabling Light course, and have had training to develop my customer service skills, and learn about correctly disposing of the waste created in my job role.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The program is well structured, it is clear what is expected of me and I know what I need to do to complete the course. It is organised and I know what will be covered in each of the workshops over the period of the program, I'm looking forward to starting putting together case studies and preparing for the end point assessments.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer is very supportive, there are lots of contact for people who I can go to for support. My team is supportive in allowing me to take part and getting photographs for my case studies and there is opportunity for extra training in fibre jointing and overhead cabling techniques.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
There is a lot of online support from the training provider, where resources and information on the course can be found. From the beginning there has been support from the provider and it is clear what they expect from me and what I can expect from them. The process so far has been simple and not overbearing.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The qualification helps me to better understand the telecoms network better, and helps me to think more about the work I am doing. The case studies help to consolidate knowledge from training and give me opportunity to walk through the stages of a process, ensuring things are done properly and safely to a high standard. This helps prepare me to work at a high standard throughout my 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.)
4/5
There are plenty of extra-curricular activities to be involved in, within Openreach there are several societies and community groups which are available to join, including specifically for trainee engineers. Though this is mostly online currently due to Covid, lots of support and encouragement can be sought to support in gaining the qualification.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BT Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Openreach is a fantastic company to work for, they really look after staff and create a supportive workplace. Lots of training and development opportunities are available within Openreach and plenty of scope for progression. The pay is also very good, even for trainee engineers, and this goes up a lot after the training is complete.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BT Group?
I would advise anyone applying to work for Openreach to thoroughly research the company and the job role. There are different paths you can take as a trainee engineer, in service delivery, cabling and different fibre roles. A lot of the application process revolves around customer service and problem solving, so experience and examples of showing this are essential.
