15
February
2017
|
08:00
Europe/London

More BT traineeships up for grabs in Leeds

Summary
BT is on the lookout for another 15 people wanting to kick start their careers with a seven week traineeship at its city centre offices in Leeds.

BT is on the lookout for another 15 people wanting to kick start their careers with a seven week traineeship at its city centre offices in Leeds.

Designed for young people aged 16 to 24 not in education, employment or training, the BT traineeship offers the chance to gain a nationally recognised qualification in digital employability.

Trainees also learn practical work skills such as CV writing, interview techniques and confidence building, as well as completing a mix of work experience and job shadowing. They can even brush up on their maths and English. After graduating they will also get help and support to find either a job or further training.

The next traineeship in Leeds starts on February 22, 2017 and will be held at the BT offices on Sovereign Street in Leeds. For more details or to apply visit http://www.btplc.com/Careercentre/WorkReady/ApplyforaBTtraineeship/index.htm

Tom Keeney, chair of BT’s regional board in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Following the success of our January traineeship in Leeds we are running another course for a further 15 people. More than 90 local people applied in January and 19 were signed up. They are currently in their fifth week and well on their way to completion.

“This won’t be the last opportunity to join a BT traineeship in West Yorkshire so even if you can’t attend this particular course I’d encourage you to register your interest to ensure you don’t miss out.

“BT traineeships give local, young people first-hand experience of the world of work, with more than half of those who have completed previous courses going on to find employment or returning to education.”

One of the recently successful applicants, 21-year-old, Azhar Iqbal from Leeds said: “Until now I’ve mainly had temporary jobs and done weekend work but now I hope to achieve qualifications and aim for a job in IT networks or cyber security.

“From day one I’ve really enjoyed the traineeship. The atmosphere of the course and the people have all been great. I’d highly recommend it to anyone.

Sixteen-year-old Jessica Reid, who until recently was working as a part-time waitress in her home town of Pontefract, is also making the most of her traineeship. She said: “I’m thoroughly enjoying being a trainee. It’s a totally new experience and every day I’m gaining in confidence. The work experience and qualifications will be brilliant for my CV.”

Two week work placements, in a variety of roles across the UK, are also available for those unable to commit to a full seven week traineeship. Although a work placement does not carry a formal qualification, attendees are given a certificate showing their attendance and achievements to demonstrate their commitment to prospective employers.

BT has been running the BT Traineeship since 2014 and to date more than 1,900 young people from around the UK have joined the programme.

The traineeship develops transferrable skills needed to find and start work, whether with BT or another company. After graduating from the programme, the young people get a minimum of 12 weeks support from BT to help them find a job or training.

The BT Traineeship is part of the BT Work Ready programme which is a series of initiatives provided to help young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, gain employment skills and get them ready for work. It’s part of BT’s commitment as a founding partner in the Movement to Work coalition of employers.**

Further information on BT’s Work Ready programme – www.bt.com/workready