Thomas Cremore

Job title:  Technical Switch and Data Apprentice
Business Unit: BT Wholesale
Joined:  September 2005

As an Apprentice, I spend all of my time learning, whether it's on the job or studying for qualifications. Since I joined I've worked alongside Transmission Engineers to learn about the bearer network and how data travels through BT's network. I've also worked with Radio and Rigging Engineers learning the details of how radio signals are transmitted, and with frames teams providing lines. On the study side, I've completed my BTEC in Telecommunications and I'm in the middle of my Level 3 Telecoms NVQ. Once all the training is finished, my role will be maintaining and faulting the main switching units in Tunbridge Wells.

One thing that has surprised me is how big and complex BT is as an organisation. There are so many different businesses and teams. Wherever I've been, though, I've found everyone to be really friendly and supportive.

Being an Apprentice, my days vary. I usually arrange to meet an Engineer at an exchange and I go from there. During the day I shadow the Engineer, watch what they're doing and help out where I can or do jobs on my own if I'm already comfortable with them. When I am not out and about I'll come into the office and write up my feedback forms to send off to my NVQ assessor.

This company is changing all the time - it's the nature of this business. The Wholesale/Openreach split means I no longer carry out certain jobs as they've been split off to the new team. Some people seem to dislike lots of change, but I think we have to change to keep up and compete in the modern world. If you accept and try and make the most of the changes, it's much easier to cope with and you can enjoy the process too.

Learn more about what's it's really like to work for BT.