"[The apprenticeship] offered the perfect balance of gaining hands-on experience while earning a qualification."
Charlotte Parker works for BT Group as a Network Sales Specialist and recently graduated from our Level 6 apprenticeship with a First Class Honours Degree and a Distinction.
We spoke with her to ask about her experiences on the programme.
Why an apprenticeship? : What made you want to do the programme?
"I wanted to join the apprenticeship programme because it offered the perfect balance of gaining hands-on experience while earning a qualification. The opportunity to work at a leading company like BT, learn from industry professionals, and apply my knowledge in real-world scenarios really stood out to me.
"I was excited by the chance to build my skills in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment while developing both personally and professionally. The combination of practical learning and academic growth made it the ideal path to kickstart my career."
What things made you worried before you decided to do the programme?
"Before starting the apprenticeship, one of my biggest worries was how it would impact my social life, especially since many of my friends chose the traditional university route. I was concerned I might miss out on that experience or feel isolated from my peer group. I also worried about balancing work and study, wondering if I’d be able to manage the workload effectively.
"However, those concerns quickly eased once I settled into the program. I built strong connections with colleagues and other apprentices, which gave me a new social network, and the structured support helped me balance my responsibilities while still enjoying time with friends."
Highlights : What module did you find the most interesting to your job role?
"I found the Consalia module about psychology of sales very interesting because it helped me to deepen my understanding of customer behaviour and decision-making. It helped me to deliver key skills like empathy, active listening and emotional intelligence. All these skills enabled me to build stronger relationships with my customers. Overall, it enhanced my communication and relationship-building abilities, contributing to my professional growth."
What has been your favourite part of the apprenticeship?
"One of my favourite parts of the apprenticeship was the balance between practical experience and academic learning. Applying new skills in real-world situations at BT helped me see the immediate impact of my work, while the academic side gave me a deeper understanding of business and customer interactions.
"I particularly enjoyed collaborating with different teams, developing my communication and problem-solving skills, and seeing how my contributions added value to both customers and the business. The variety of experiences kept me engaged and motivated throughout the program."
Benefits : What are some of the skills you gained which have benefitted you most in your career?
"Throughout my apprenticeship, I developed key skills that have been invaluable to my career so far. Communication and relationship-building have been crucial in engaging with both customers and colleagues effectively. I’ve also improved my problem-solving skills, learning how to adapt quickly and think on my feet in fast-paced situations.
"Time management and prioritisation have been essential in balancing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines. Most importantly, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of customer needs and how to deliver tailored solutions, which has helped me build trust and drive positive outcomes in my role."
What were some of the immediate quick wins you noticed in yourself?
"Some of the immediate quick wins I noticed in myself were improvements in my confidence, communication, and time management skills. Early on, I became more comfortable engaging with customers and colleagues, adapting my approach to different situations. I also noticed a shift in my ability to manage my time more effectively, balancing work and study deadlines without feeling overwhelmed.
"Another key win was my problem-solving mindset — I became more proactive in finding solutions rather than waiting for guidance, which helped me add value in my role from the start."
What impact has the programme had on your career and your organisation?
"The B2B Sales apprenticeship has had a great impact on both my career and the organisation. It helped me develop key sales skills like consultative selling and relationship management, making me more effective in my role. For the organisation, my new skills have contributed to revenue growth and stronger customer relationships. Overall, the programme accelerated my career development while supporting BT’s customer-focused goals."
Looking back : How do you feel now that you've graduated?
"Now that I've graduated, I feel incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, both personally and professionally. Completing the apprenticeship has given me a real sense of achievement, knowing I’ve gained a degree while building valuable experience in the workplace.
"I feel more confident in my abilities and well-prepared for the next stage of my career. It’s also rewarding to see how the skills I’ve developed are making a positive impact in my role. Overall, I’m excited for the future and motivated to continue learning and growing in my career."
Recommendation : How would you describe the programme to a colleague who is considering a similar journey?
"I’d describe the programme as a fantastic opportunity to gain real-world experience while earning a qualification. It offers a perfect balance between practical learning and academic growth, allowing you to apply what you learn in real-time. You’ll develop essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and sales strategies, all while building relationships with experienced professionals.
"It’s a fast-paced, rewarding journey that helps you grow both personally and professionally, and it’s a great way to kickstart your career while making a tangible impact in an organisation."