BT traineeships up for grabs in Sandwell and Walsall

BT is on the look-out for 30 young people wanting to kick-start their careers with a seven week traineeship at two of its Black Country offices.

Designed for young people aged 16 to 24 not currently in education, employment or training, the BT traineeship – which is free - offers the chance for them 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 local traineeship is at BT’s Providence Place offices in West Bromwich, beginning on Tuesday, March 14, with another one starting on Tuesday, May 9 at BT’s Network House in Goodall Street, Walsall.

Anyone wanting more details or to apply should visit: http://www.btplc.com/Careercentre/WorkReady/ApplyforaBTtraineeship/index.htm

Colin Bannon, chair of BT’s regional board in the West Midlands, said: “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.

“This is a great opportunity for young people to reinvigorate their confidence, motivation and enthusiasm as well as gaining practical skills and a recognised qualification. “This won’t be the last opportunity to join a BT traineeship in the West Midlands 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.”

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.

Badr Saeed, from Kings Heath, who is currently on a BT traineeship in Birmingham, said: “The BT traineeship is helping me gain confidence in the real world of work and education, and is developing my team working and time management skills.”

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

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For further information about this news release please contact the BT regional press office on 0800 085 0660 or email: emma.tennant@bt.com

All our news releases can be read at http://www.btplc.com/News

Notes to Editors

** Movement to Work offers work placements to 16-24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training. And particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who can struggle to identify and take advantage of employment opportunities.

www.movementtowork.com

BT is a lead company for the charity, which is a collaboration of UK employers aiming to tackle youth unemployment by providing high-quality work experience placements.

About BT

BT’s purpose is to use the power of communications to make a better world. It is one of the world’s leading providers of communications services and solutions, serving customers in 180 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to its customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband, TV and internet products and services; and converged fixed-mobile products and services.BT consists of six customer-facing lines of business: Consumer, EE, Business and Public Sector, Global Services, Wholesale and Ventures, and Openreach.

For the year ended 31 March 2016, BT Group’s reported revenue was £19,042m with reported profit before taxation of £3,029m.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.

For more information, visit www.btplc.com