Feb 28, 2019 07:00 GMT

Today, BT announced it has created more than 1,600 new apprenticeship and graduate jobs to join its over 80,000 strong UK workforce.

BT will recruit talent into the company across areas as diverse as engineering, customer service, TV production, and cyber-security to support the UK’s fast-growing digital sectors. The new recruits will also support the company’s plans to extend 4G coverage and build the latest 5G networks around the UK.

Over a fifth of this year’s recruits will be based at BT’s world-renowned labs at Adastral Park, near Ipswich, in Suffolk. The research centre plays a leading role in the development of mobile technologies, artificial intelligence and ultrafast broadband.

These figures are in addition to Openreach’s recent drive to bring in 3,000 engineers to support their fibre broadband ambitions. BT and Openreach are currently delivering a wide range of apprenticeships to over 6,000 learners.

Many of the apprentices will achieve foundation and full degrees as part of their work at BT, while graduate recruits will also have the opportunity to secure fully funded qualifications. The scheme is delivered in partnership with local colleges, training partners and universities to ensure that apprentices and graduates receive the best education in their area of focus, as well as hands-on experience and training.

Alison Wilcox, HR Director, BT Group said: “We’re proud to be a leading employer of apprentices and graduates in the UK, investing in training thousands of people to give them the digital skills they’ll need to prosper. Through our apprenticeship and graduate programmes, we are able to attract people from all walks of life, allowing us to bring in new perspectives and develop a highly skilled, committed workforce. I look forward to welcoming the new recruits who are joining BT at such an exciting time.”

BT Group is one of the UK’s largest employers with 82,800 people based in the UK. The new roles, which include those within EE and Plusnet, are spread across a number of locations including London, Glasgow, Belfast, Warrington, Bristol, Cardiff, Doncaster and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

BT has developed and offered apprenticeships for more than 60 years and has a commitment to helping individuals meet the demands for innovation and digital skills in the UK. BT’s Work Ready programme was launched in 2014 specifically for NEETS (Not in Education, Employment or Training). To date, more than 6,500 people from around the UK have participated and more than half have gone on to either gain employment or return to education.