Telecoms giant BT is to recruit 26 graduates and apprentices in Belfast later this year.
The announcement is part of the company’s plans to recruit more than 600 graduates and apprentices across the UK this year.
The roles are for 13 graduates and 13 apprentices for its September 2022 intake.
Positions will be in engineering, customer service, applied research and cyber-security to support the UK’s fast-growing digital sectors.
The new recruits will also support the company's plans to build and extend its 5G network around the UK.
The new roles are spread across a number of other locations including Birmingham, Bristol, Dundee, Glasgow, Ipswich, London and Manchester.
BT Group is one of the UK's largest private sector apprenticeship employers and has recruited more than 2,000 apprentices and graduates over the past three years.
The company has around 4,000 colleagues working towards their qualifications at any given time.
The programme, which will complete in 2024, has already opened future fit, high tech workspaces in locations including Birmingham, London and Warrington where colleagues can collaborate, innovate and deliver the best for BT’s customers and for the business.
One recent local graduate is PJ Bowman, 23, from Belfast, who is an advocate of both BT’s placement and graduate scheme.
PJ said: “I initially joined as a placement student during my degree, returning on the HR graduate programme and it was one of the best decisions that I have made.
He added: “It is such an interesting job, no two days are ever the same! It has given me so many learning opportunities to broaden my skillset with access to valuable resources that can be used for development and growth across the business.”
Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, welcomed BT's continued investment in local talent.
“Providing apprentice opportunities and graduate roles which will develop digital skill-sets is exactly what we need to prepare Northern Ireland’s economy for the future,” she said.
“BT is a major employer, so we welcome this announcement and its continued long-term presence in Northern Ireland. This announcement is testament to the skills of our local workforce and BT’s confidence in it.”
Debbie White, Chief Human Resources Officer, BT Group added: “BT is at the heart of the UK’s digital economy and as one of the largest employers of graduates and apprentices in the UK, we offer unparalleled development opportunities.
“Despite the uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve continued to recruit and attract brilliant people into our business.
“The combination of our hybrid working approach and our state-of-the-art offices makes BT a great place for new joiners to learn new skills and capabilities, collaborate with colleagues and bring innovative thinking to drive growth across our business and deliver for all of our customers. It’s a very exciting time to join BT.”
Alongside its apprenticeship and graduate scheme opportunities, BT is also investing in several initiatives to support young jobseekers.
These include BT’s Work Ready training scheme and FastFutures which have already helped thousands of young people kickstart their careers, providing opportunities for young people who aren't in employment, education or training and preparing them for the world of work.
For more information on how to apply for a BT apprenticeship or graduate placement, please visit: https://www.bt.com/careers/early-careers
