Learner Testimonial — Network Engineer Apprenticeship

There are many journeys into tech. Today we’re sharing the story of our recent Apprenticeship graduate, Laura-Jane Aitken.

Laura had always been interested in tech but, unfortunately, wasn’t encouraged to pursue this at college – “Only lads used to do it!”

After studying for a degree in English and Life Sciences, she moved to Spain, where she spent 18 years teaching English as a foreign language. As the time came for her children to attend uni, she moved back to the UK and decided to change careers.

“I thought Microsoft would be a good place to start – a lot of companies use it. I found a deal online, a Microsoft Servers course – just the course, you paid extra for the exam – and I went for it.

“Unfortunately, at the time, I didn’t realise I’d gone in for a very high-level exam meant for people with System Admin Experience. I failed, but I didn’t give up!”

Laura’s next step was to research various types of training on the UK Government website. A two-year programme felt best – “I wanted to get into the work a lot quicker!”

“I saw a Network Engineer Apprenticeship with BT being advertised and that’s how I got introduced to Firebrand. It’s one of the best things I ever did!

“I couldn’t see anything saying you have to be a certain age to apply, so I thought I’m just gonna put my application through – the worst they can say is no!”

Laura was soon “absolutely delighted” to be on the course.

“My experience with Firebrand was fantastic. Starting off, I had Allie as a Mentor, then Perran [James]. He was just fantastic; every step of the way I felt encouraged, supported, whenever I had any doubts or questions.

“I didn’t have that many questions, because he prepared us mentally for the End Point Assessment…When I started the Apprenticeship, looking at the EPA, I couldn’t believe I’d be able to do it. It seemed like a mountain to climb! His calendar reminders were great to keep us on track.”

Due to her teaching experience, Laura observed the way the programme was taught as well as the actual content. “[From a teaching standpoint,] it was really well presented, broken down for us. Having an intensive course at the end worked so well, you’re familiar with it already, it sets that knowledge in concrete. Lecture | Lab | Review is a really great way to learn; it helps you remember the theory.”

The structure of the course is part of the reason she thinks she did well. “You don’t need to know a lot before you start, which is really important. I knew I was going to learn from scratch and have a very clear path to achieve my goals.”

“My husband works in tech – DevOps Engineer – and he knew about Firebrand. When I told him I’d be doing an Apprenticeship with Firebrand, he said, ‘Wow, that’s amazing!’ I thought, ‘I’m in good hands!’”

As part of the programme, Laura took the CompTIA Server+, Network+, and Security+ certification courses, which are well-known in the industry – as well as CompTIA A+. Having the opportunity to take them was part of what attracted her to the programme. “We were lucky! The three main exams I took gave me everything I need to know to carry out my job.”

“A few people I know chose a four-year Apprenticeship with another provider, but it didn’t include exams. When they saw what I was doing, they really regretted not choosing Firebrand.”

As part of the programme, Laura also attended residential training at our scenic training centre at Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire.

“I loved having contact with our instructors, people who really know what they’re talking about! Also being able to ask questions rather than just watch videos. Iain [Graves] did a fantastic job online during Covid, when we couldn’t get to Wybo, but having face-to-face classes was a lot more beneficial. Dave Petts was amazing, a really fantastic tutor; it was really great to have someone who’s worked in the field, has anecdotes, keeps you interested…”

Spending quality time with her cohort helped too. “We were all BT. We got to know each other so we were happy to sit and study together, sub-netting, let’s learn it together properly…It was lovely ‘cause we gelled!

“I loved getting away, no need to do the dishes, it was just Heaven! The exam was a week after; I just went for it. Like a dog with a bone, I needed to do this!”

The team kept in touch after graduation too. “We’re all in different departments now, but it’s great to touch base when we do see each other.”

Some of her peers found out about Apprenticeships when BT gave presentations in their schools. Now, Laura has become an advocate too. “I always tell students, it doesn’t matter, even if you change your career later, a tech App with BT is such a fantastic opportunity.

“Also, it’s great for getting girls into tech. [When I was their age,] I never saw a female tech rep. You need to see one to know they exist. My department is approx. 30% female now.

“The most important thing is you have to be dedicated, because it’s hard. Some younger people didn’t spend enough time on it as they should have; they hadn’t quite learned how to learn. You’ve got to put in that extra bit; I used to do a whole weekend of studying before an exam. I put my all in and I got so much. I won the BPP Apprentice of the Year Award for Dynamic Infrastructure.”

Now, Laura is a Network Engineer – Repair, Delivery & Support – a job she “absolutely loves.” She works in the New Circuits and Technology team, maintaining the dynamic infrastructure of BT – ambulance and police service circuits, air traffic, bank transactions. She got offered the job before she finished the Apprenticeship.

“I’m doing something I absolutely love! When a fault comes in, we diagnose it and fix it. It’s a very fast-paced job and very satisfying because I get to fix things.”

Following in her footsteps, her daughter is also doing an Apprenticeship; she chose Software Development. “I wanted her to come to BT with me. You’re learning with experts and working with experts; it’s win-win. Plus, you’re not getting into debt!”

“In my day, there was this snobbery about going to uni – ‘You need to do it;’ now, attitudes are changing.”

So, would Laura recommend Apprenticeships?

“100%. If you’ve even got an inkling you want to do something like this, go for it. We put so many limitations on ourselves – it might be hard, but it’s not impossible. You have to take a leap of faith!”

Thank you for your feedback, Laura!