BT creating 1,300 apprenticeships
March 21, 2018
BT is creating more than 1,300 apprenticeship and graduate jobs as the company aims to recruit the best tech talent available in the UK.
The drive for apprentices and graduates will see BT employ people in a number of different roles, from TV production, engineering, customer service, and in cyber-security to help tackle the growing threat of cyber-crime.
BT is one of the first UK companies to use virtual reality technology as a way of recruiting, as it looks at innovative techniques in how it attracts the best graduates. The assessment process will include candidates being asked to complete a series of virtual reality “Crystal Maze” style tasks. BT will assess candidates based on three measures which comprise analytical skills, how they handle change, as well as their drive and enthusiasm to get tasks completed.
The latest recruitment drive for apprenticeships and graduates is in addition to Openreach’s announcement last week that they are looking to recruit 3,500 engineers.
UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, said: “I welcome this announcement from BT. More high-quality apprenticeships means more young people with the vital skills and training to take advantage of the economic opportunities of the future. Our modern Industrial Strategy, in conjunction with business, will help drive developments in fields like Artificial Intelligence and cyber technology – meaning more high-tech jobs and greater prosperity for people across the country.”
Gavin Patterson, chief executive of BT, said: “We’re proud to be leading the industry by investing in training a huge number of people in the digital skills that the UK economy so vitally needs. BT has a rich history of innovation, and it’s an incredibly exciting time to be joining the company as we look towards growing our cyber-security business, developing 5G technologies and enhanced TV content. Our apprenticeship and graduate scheme will equip people with the skills and on the job training they will need to succeed in the future. I’m looking forward to welcoming all our new recruits into the business.”