Member Article

BT to create 30 new apprenticeships in Yorkshire & Humber region

BT is expecting to create around 30 new apprenticeship and graduate jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber as a part of a major nationwide recruitment drive.

The company is casting its net across the UK for around 300 top science, technology and business graduates who want to build their careers in the IT and telecom sector with one of the UK’s leading investors in research and development.

Some 730 apprenticeships will also be offered to UK school and college leavers in the areas of engineering, software design, IT support, finance and logistics.

BT has also created a new digital media technology apprenticeship that will provide new recruits with experience and skills in web development, digital networks, digital TV and digital media distribution.

BT also announced today its commitment to the UK employer-led initiative “Movement to Work”, aimed at tackling youth unemployment, by pledging to provide up to 1,500 vocational training and work experience placements for out of work youngsters over the next 18-months.

Gavin Patterson, Chief Executive of BT, said: “This is a tough time in the job market, with almost a million young people across the UK struggling to find work.

“Every company needs to play its part in ensuring that Britain’s future workforce isn’t impaired by long-term unemployment.

“BT has an exciting future ahead of it, investing in the UK’s high speed broadband infrastructure, and advances in television and digital media.

“Through new apprenticeships, graduate training and the Movement to Work programme, we want thousands of young people in Britain to share in this future.”

Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, welcomed the announcement, saying:“It’s good news that BT are delivering even more high quality apprenticeships and graduate jobs.

Hundreds more people will now be able to get the skills they need to get on and help support sustainable economic growth.

“Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week I would encourage all employers to follow the lead of firms like BT and recognise the value and dynamism apprentices can offer businesses of all sizes.”

Technology graduates and technical apprentices will be able to work on a range of cutting edge projects, including the future of broadcasting and wireless technology, Big Data and the Internet of Things, as well as helping pioneer new developments in high speed fibre communication networks.

Tom Keeney, BT’s regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “This latest recruitment is great news for our region. It is another example of BT’s commitment as one of the region’s largest private sector employers and investors.

“Providing the opportunity for people to build lasting and rewarding careers - as well as our major multi million pound investments in sophisticated technology, such as fibre optic broadband - will play a vital role in the future success of the region.”

BT is one of the UK’s leading investors in research and development, investing £3.7 billion in research and development over the last five years.

In addition, the company is investing more than £3 billion to roll-out fibre broadband across the UK. BT also today pledged to provide up to 1,500 vocational training and work experience placements for out of work youngsters over the next 18-months.

As part of Movement to Work, a UK employer-led initiative, backed by the Prince’s Trust and the Government, BT will offer 18-24 year olds four to seven week long work placements combining vocational training, employability skills and work experience and, where possible, link this into the company’s future recruitment plans.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .