BT managers inspire Shropshire students
Three members of Staff from British Telecom (BT) in Oswestry were invited into Walford and North Shropshire College to talk to Business and Computing students about some of the opportunities open to them when they finish their courses.
Two of the visitors were themselves former Business and Computing students at the College who, on leaving, had gone into BT as apprentices and who have recently been promoted to management positions. The third visitor was a current Higher Apprentice at BT.
As former students themselves they had once, quite literally, been in the same position as their audience, thinking about their futures and wondering what they would hold. They were therefore, ideally equipped to relate to their concerns when talking with them about their education and possible career paths. They were also living examples of some of the fantastic opportunities that are waiting for the students when they finish their courses.
Stephen Beaumont Network Manager for Global Voice Systems at BT, who was a student at the College from 2002 to 2004, explained “At BT we are committed to supporting development both internally and externally. We run various programmes to support school, college and university students as they progress into careers. It is because of this commitment we wanted to come in to talk to the students, to give advice on the progression from education into work.”
Computing Lecturer Amanda MacMaster commented “All the students found the talk very interesting and worthwhile. It certainly made them more aware of their options after the course and made them feel more in control of their futures and pre pro-active and positive as a result. It also highlighted the fact that motivation and hard work are important factors in determining future success. I too found it very helpful. I now feel more informed and better equipped to help students make their post-course decisions whether this be taking the Apprenticeship route, going into Higher Education or going directly into other employment. ”
BT applications for apprenticeships will be available from February so this talk has come at exactly the right time to allow the students time to consider their options and prepare.
