BT jobs bonanza ‘brilliant news for Welsh economy’
BT has created more than 80 new apprenticeships and graduate jobs across Wales. About 70 apprentices will be recruited in locations such as Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, Haverfordwest, Newport, Merthyr and Swansea, while 13 graduates are expected to be based in Cardiff.
The scheme is aimed at equipping young people with the skills and training to meet the challenges of a changing jobs market.
This year’s BT apprentice and graduate recruitment, which includes mobile operator EE, will see the new employees work in roles ranging from customer service, vehicle maintenance and finance to cyber security and software development.
Welcoming the announcement, Skills and Science Minister Julie James said: “This is brilliant news for Wales, its economy and wider digital infrastructure. Improving digital coverage in all areas of Wales and ensuring we have the right skills to meet future employment needs are key priorities for this government and we are committed to working with businesses such as BT to deliver a high-quality apprenticeship offer in Wales.
“Indeed only last month I launched our new Apprenticeship Policy, which places a greater focus on higher-level apprenticeships in priority areas such as technology, engineering and ICT, so this recruitment announcement is welcome news for Wales.”
Alwen Williams, regional director for BT Cymru Wales, said: “This latest major recruitment is a further example of BT’s commitment to Wales as one of the country’s leading employers and investors.”
“We are offering exciting, highquality careers in a fast-moving industry in order to ensure the households and businesses of Wales are able to benefit from the latest, first-class communications. The new recruits will be joining a world-leading company which has already invested hundreds of millions of pounds in Wales.”
BT chief executive Gavin Patterson said: “It is an exciting time to join BT as it continues to invest in ultrafast broadband, 4G, television and sport.
“We are also preparing for future technologies including 5G and so we want to recruit the very best.
“Our apprenticeship and graduate roles will offer people the hands-on experience they need to succeed,” added Mr Patterson.