Sky’s the limit for local duo as they secure apprenticeship with telecoms giant BT

HARD work and dedication has paid off for two SERC electronic engineering students who have secured an apprenticeship with telecoms giant BT, following a rigorous application and selection process.

The recruitment push from BT is part of a UK-wide drive by the company to equip young people with the skills and training needed to meet the challenges of a changing jobs market.

17-year-olds Ethan Moore from Lisburn and Reece O’Hara from Crumlin applied for the popular apprenticeship programme after they saw it advertised online.  Following a grilling four stage selection process involving a video assessment, assessment center, group work and scenario-based challenges, the duo, who were the youngest on the programme, said they were ecstatic when they heard they were successful.

Reece secured employment as a field engineer apprentice, which will run for 18 months, while former Wallace High School pupil Ethan will be employed as an apprentice desk-based planning engineer, a three year programme.  

Ethan said: “After my GCSE’s I knew I wanted to study a vocational course at SERC and specialise in electronic engineering rather than completing three different A level subjects which I had no interest in. My mum and dad are glad that I don’t have a massive student loan and are delighted that I have got this amazing start to my career. If I hadn’t have come to SERC I wouldn’t be in this exciting position, so I would really urge others to consider SERC as a first option.”

Reece said “It was thanks to our course at SERC that we were both able to answer the very challenging competency-based interview questions. I talked specifically about the different modules that I had completed on the course and they seemed to like the fact that I had an electronic engineering qualification. At 17 years old and just out of school you really don’t have a lot of experience or skills but our tutor Declan Black shows us a variety of scenarios in class, even things from the HNC programme which really helped me at the interview as I was able to relate to the things we did in class.

“I went to Crumlin Integrated College and decided to enrol at SERC because I had heard good things about the college and thought that the smaller class sizes would suit me. As I don't drive it's great as I get the bus in Crumlin and it brings me directly to Lisburn, very close to the college. I always wanted a career in electronic engineering and because I enjoy what I am learning the day flies in.

“I have always been interested in doing a hands-on, practical job rather than sitting in an office and I am delighted that I have been lucky enough to be chosen as an apprentice. I am looking forward to getting started and the best thing is that I will get my very own van.”

The duo are currently working hard to complete and submit their final assignments before their start their exciting apprenticeship on 26 March.

Course tutor Declan Black explains: “I am delighted that the students have secured such a prestigious apprenticeship. The selection process is challenging and intensive, as BT only recruit the best of the best, so they really should be extremely proud of themselves. It’s just the beginning of an exciting and rewarding career for them and hopefully they will come back to SERC in the future to inspire the next generation.”