Apprentice Software Engineer Review
at BT Group
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Bristol
Review Submitted: April 2025
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
4.2/5
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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:
4/5
I am working with others in developing an automated test framework.
A stand-up call with colleagues, some coding/work on Jira logging actions, a defect bridge with colleagues, further coding/logging of actions.
I also attend meetings with other squads, and am given some time to work on project(s) of my own too.
A stand-up call with colleagues, some coding/work on Jira logging actions, a defect bridge with colleagues, further coding/logging of actions.
I also attend meetings with other squads, and am given some time to work on project(s) of my own too.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy both parts of it, but I don't feel there is enough time within the week to do all of the things that are expected. There is a lot of administrative work that you have to keep up with. You have to produce logs of everything you do, so you'd almost be better off recording your screen for 8-9 hours a day so you know everything that you've been doing.
I have found the on-the-job experience more useful than the university course so far, but I am only in my second year, and it's dependent on how much better it will get as I work on my specific path. I am enjoying the first module of my specific path.
I have found the on-the-job experience more useful than the university course so far, but I am only in my second year, and it's dependent on how much better it will get as I work on my specific path. I am enjoying the first module of my specific path.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt some basic coding skills, a decent amount of knowledge about mobile devices and how they are used to test mobile networks. I have learnt how projects are handled in a business, and the various roles inolved in project management & software engineering in general. I have also learnt how to set up simple networks.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I don't feel there is a great amount of cohesion between my workplace and the university. The modules are pre-determined and don't align too well with my workplace, but I understand they need to keep it generic so that all workplaces are benefitted by the learning provider's material.
At work, it felt very organised to begin with as we were inducted, but it soon became - 'have a go at this online course' etc. There wasn't a structured on-the-job learning package to support us into our job roles.
At work, it felt very organised to begin with as we were inducted, but it soon became - 'have a go at this online course' etc. There wasn't a structured on-the-job learning package to support us into our job roles.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a good amount of support from my employer/manager - as needed. It's a typical office environment and you will have regular meetings to discuss your well-being and your workload. I've never felt uncomfortable raising issues, but there is a feeling that they want you to be very positive about everything you're doing.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
If you ask, you get. The support is there for the taking. I've always found the lecturers more than accomodating in respect of helping me when I've needed it. I have specific needs in terms of my learning, which I've felt were accomodated for by the training provider.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
This is where it becomes difficult, as I've only just started my specific path. I feel like the module I am doing currently is directly relevant to my work, but I wish my first year was spent ramping up to this module. The first year is a bit of a mix of different subjects, but only their foundations. I didn't find that overview particularly useful to me. However, I can see it would be useful to others - and it appears to have been.
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
There are definitely opportunities to get involved in social, charitable and sports events/teams. It's not something I've personally been involved in, but these opportunities are advertised on the internal social network we have.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BT Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Overall, I would recommend doing this apprenticeship. It's a good way of getting job experience and a degree without too much hassle. It can get quite intense in terms of the workload - if you are put in a team that is busy (most are).
You just need to be vocal at those times when you need support, or some time to concentrate on university work, which is an option.
You just need to be vocal at those times when you need support, or some time to concentrate on university work, which is an option.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BT Group?
- Time keeping is really important. There are a lot of meetings, and being on time is key.
- Make an impact. Do things that others are delaying. Bring new ideas.
- Be vocal when you need time to concentrate on your university work.
- Make sure you have a 'BT Passport' if you need one.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Don't pretend that you understand something. Ask if you need to, and don't be afraid to tell people you don't understand.
- Make an impact. Do things that others are delaying. Bring new ideas.
- Be vocal when you need time to concentrate on your university work.
- Make sure you have a 'BT Passport' if you need one.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Don't pretend that you understand something. Ask if you need to, and don't be afraid to tell people you don't understand.
