BT launches new recruitment drive for 150 apprenticeship and graduate jobs across Yorkshire and the Humber

BT has announced plans to create around 150 new apprenticeship and graduate jobs across Yorkshire and the Humber.

The company aims to employ more than 1,300 people across the country in a number of different roles, from TV production, engineering, customer service and cyber-security to help tackle the growing threat of cyber-crime.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, the 150 new recruits will be located in Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford and Doncaster, with positions in customer service, IT, engineering and mechanics up for grabs.

Prime Minister Theresa May, said: “I welcome this announcement from BT. More high-quality apprenticeships means more young people with the vital skills and training to take advantage of the economic opportunities of the future.

“Our modern Industrial Strategy, in conjunction with business, will help drive developments in fields like Artificial Intelligence and cyber technology – meaning more high-tech jobs and greater prosperity for people across the country.”

BT is one of the first UK companies to use virtual reality technology as a way of recruiting. The assessment process will include candidates being asked to complete a series of virtual reality “Crystal Maze” style tasks.

BT will assess candidates based on three measures which comprise analytical skills, how they handle change, as well as their drive and enthusiasm to get tasks completed.

BT Group is one of the UK’s largest employers with 82,800 people based in the UK and around 6,600 in Yorkshire and the Humber.

The new roles, which include those within EE and Plusnet, are spread across the country.

Many of the apprentices hired will achieve foundation and full degrees as part of their work at BT, while some graduates will also achieve fully funded qualifications. The scheme is delivered in partnership with local colleges and universities.

Gavin Patterson, chief executive of BT, commented: “We’re proud to be leading the industry by investing in training a huge number of people in the digital skills that the UK economy so vitally needs.

“BT has a rich history of innovation, and it’s an incredibly exciting time to be joining the company as we look towards growing our cyber-security business, developing 5G technologies and enhanced TV content.

“Our apprenticeship and graduate scheme will equip people with the skills and on the job training they will need to succeed in the future. I’m looking forward to welcoming all our new recruits into the business.”

Tom Keeney, chair of BT’s regional board in Yorkshire and the Humber, added: “This recruitment is more great news for our region. It underlines the leading role that BT plays in communities across Yorkshire and the Humber and is a tribute to the quality of our local staff.

“They play a vital role in providing essential products and services for the households and businesses across the region, as well as, of course, being part of these local communities themselves.

“As one of the region’s leading employers and investors, BT is committed to providing high quality jobs and careers and this latest recruitment will help ensure we deliver the best possible services for the people of Yorkshire and the Humber.”