Telecommunications behemoth BT has announced it will be recruiting over 600 apprentices and graduates for its September intake this year.
The opportunities span across various fields such as cyber security, software engineering, and customer service.
These new positions will be spread across BT Group’s locations, including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Darlington, Ipswich, Leeds, London, Manchester, Sheffield, and Warrington.
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Over the last five years, BT Group has brought on board more than 3,000 apprentices and graduates.
Athalie Williams, BT Group's Chief Human Resources Officer, expressed her pride: "I’m incredibly proud of the opportunities we provide to develop new talent at BT Group and recognise the valuable contributions graduates and apprentices bring to the workforce."
She also noted, "Last year alone, we recruited around 500 apprentices and graduates, all eager to learn, develop their skills, and help deliver better experiences for our customers."
In the previous year, BT introduced a novel apprenticeship fund to aid smaller businesses, charities, and public sector entities in England, offering access to up to £4 million over an initial four-year term.
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith highlighted the importance of apprenticeships: "Apprenticeships are central to this Government’s Plan for Change – they break down barriers to opportunity and equip people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills they need to go on to rewarding careers."
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She added, "They also drive growth by giving businesses the workforce they need in key sectors of the economy."
"It’s great to see BT Group, one of our Top 100 apprentice employers, backing this mission by recruiting more than 600 apprentices and graduates."
"Their commitment demonstrates the real impact apprenticeships can have both for individuals and for businesses pushing our economy forward."
The statement went on to affirm a strong dedication to broadening opportunities: "We are fully committed to expanding opportunities even further."
To underpin this commitment, the introduction of significant reforms was underscored: "Through our reforms, including the introduction of Skills England and our new Growth and Skills offer, we will ensure even more apprentices will join the pipeline of talent that will drive growth and power our mission-driven government."
In Wales, 58 of the apprentices will be based at EE’s customer service centre in Merthyr Tydfil and the same number based at BT Group’s head offices in Wales at Capital Quarter in the centre of Cardiff.