BT is to create 700 apprenticeship and 300 graduate jobs across the UK this year, with around 90 apprentices recruited right here in Scotland.
More than 30 engineering posts will be up for grabs in BT’s local network business, Openreach, and among the Scottish locations to benefit will be Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
A number of BT’s apprentices will also begin Degree Apprenticeships from September, allowing them to complete Honours Degrees while working.
We asked Davey to get on the blower to Director of BT Scotland, Brendan Dick, to find out why BT has such a strong focus on apprenticeships and talk all things engineering.
Hi Brendan. I’ve been told not to pretend I’m Noel Edmonds, so it’s Davey here to ask you why BT is so big on training?
Hello, Davey. Well, apprenticeships are pretty much fundamental to BT’s talent strategy. In fact, we’ve had a scheme in place for more than 50 years: although largely in engineering, it now also includes sectors such as computer sciences and customer services.
Learning engineering while getting paid sounds like a great idea, Brendan. But can it also springboard you into future careers?
Yes, indeed it can. From a career point of view, an apprenticeship is only the beginning of a long and hopefully very exciting journey.
You only have to look at the many different engineering specialisms and roles on your own website that would suit these core skills to realise the depth and breadth of the training.
Does that mean the skills learned here are transferrable into other areas?
Yes, absolutely. Good engineering apprentices, apart from being technically competent, will also have learned how to be effective at work and can bring this knowledge and competence not only into a variety of engineering roles at all levels, but also many other sectors.
All of the skills gained through work-based learning are valued by employers and are invaluable to those looking to get the best possible start or further their careers.
Do you have any advice for anyone wishing to enter this sector?
As a company we are seeing more young people and adults who are committed to working hard and who are willing to learn.
This reflects a move in the UK, and possibly other countries as well, from the assumption that you have to move into full-time tertiary education to succeed – often having a mix of qualifications and on-the-job learning is what counts.
Engineering is often seen as men-only. Is there any sign of greater confidence among women to consider engineering?
I think it is getting better. Women are growing more interested in the so-called STEM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
The software industry is a good example, and obviously we bring in a lot of females to do that, as well as engineering in the field.
Thanks for your time David.
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