Network Engineer Review
at BT Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Ipswich
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
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
Testing and evaluating the latest networking technology
Upgrading the existing network and the planning for the future
Installing and running of network elements
Understanding of mobile networks and the technologies that encapsulate it
Supporting and maintaining high levels of stability and performance of the biggest and best mobile network in the UK.
Upgrading the existing network and the planning for the future
Installing and running of network elements
Understanding of mobile networks and the technologies that encapsulate it
Supporting and maintaining high levels of stability and performance of the biggest and best mobile network in the UK.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I very much enjoyed my apprenticeship from the side of BT as being part of the office environment and learning from experienced engineers in the thick of it was an integral part of learning concisely and accurately as the 2 year timeframe was tight alongside also taking exams and external courses.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learned new skills as part of my apprenticeship, namely fixed engineering standards, but have also been fortunate enough as a career switcher to also further develop some leadership skills from my previous roles away from the telecoms industry and increase my responsibilities, not only as an apprentice, but also as an employee.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
It could be better structured from the training providers standpoint as at times it was pretty dire with many apprentices in my year feeling let down by Firebrand, especially when we travelled away on week long courses. From the BT side though, it was fantastic and a very happy experience rotating across different teams every few months.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
BT is hands down the most supportive employer, not only from an apprenticeship point of view, but also from the employee standpoint also. Without the leadership and guidance that I personally was given I firmly believe that the apprenticeship would have been a lot harder, almost impossible to achieve due to the training providers inadequacies.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Although I have a gripe with Firebrand and it's inadequacies, I was happy with my learning mentor there and he was particularly supportive of all of us apprentices in the year.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
When it comes down to technical understanding of how a network is structured and works, and sometimes breaks, it was invaluable information to be taught. Unfortunately the way it was taught was the issue and was too broad at times to even take the exams and pass first time.
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
Where I work I am extremely fortune to work on a big park where there is a gym and games areas as well as events regularly in which we are encouraged to attend to meet other colleagues. It can be a struggle at time to justify the attendance due to the fast paces nature of my position, but I try to go when I can.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BT Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I has changed mine and my family's life. I have a new outlook, professionally and personally, and I feel that working for the this business means that the sky is the limit for me now. I couldn't be happier working for a business if I tried. After years of searching, I've finally found my people.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BT Group?
There is no ifs, buts, or try's when it comes to the assessment centre. Make sure you are heard and are known and you will secure a place on the apprenticeship. Also, just because you are fresh out of college means nothing, if you're not ready quite, move somewhere, gain experience elsewhere, travel, meet people. It will all working in your favour in the end as the business is looking for potential in all ages and walks of life.
If you don't get in first time, try again. It won't hurt.
If you don't get in first time, try again. It won't hurt.
