Job Description

Apprentice Lead Engineer - Maintenance Technician (Field Based Role) - Kirkwall
Location - Kirkwall (Field-based - Company van provided)
Start date - 8th September 2025
Salary xc2xa323,810
Business Unit: Networks
Full-time | Paid Apprenticeship
Ready for a hands-on career that keeps the UK connected? Want to earn while you learn and work with cutting-edge technology?
We're looking for a motivated apprentice to join our Power & Cooling Engineering team, playing a vital role in keeping BT's networks running 24/7, 365 days a year. This is not a desk job - you'll be out in the field, traveling in a company van (which we provide), working with experienced engineers to maintain and test our power infrastructure across the UK.
We're looking for practical, hands-on people who are curious about how things work and love solving problems.
You might be the type of person who:

• Enjoys taking things apart and putting them back together-whether it's a bike, a radio, or even a go-kart.
• Has an interest in engineering, mechanics, or electronics and loves figuring out how systems work.
• Likes working with tools, helping with DIY projects, or fixing things around the house.
• Enjoys building models, coding, or experimenting with technology.
• Loves getting stuck into real-world, practical challenges rather than just learning from books.

If any of this sounds like you, this could be the perfect role to turn your skills and interests into a career!
Why this role matters:
Our network is the backbone of everything we do. We keep all of the traffic lights running, keep planes in the sky, all 999 calls run on our network we keep people connected anytime, anywhere.
It's constantly evolving, and we're at the forefront of technology for the next generation of cutting-edge mobile networks and services. Behind the scenes Our Lead Engineering Maintenance apprentices play a key part in making sure everything runs smoothly. Millions of people rely on us every day to help them live their lives, power their businesses, and keep their public services running. We connect friends to family, clients to colleagues, people to possibilities. We keep the wheels of business spinning, and the emergency services responding
We keep the UK connected
What's the role?
As a Lead Engineering Maintenance apprentice, you'll be helping to maintain and test our power and cooling systems to meet both regulatory compliance and environmental standards. You'll be working on a wide range of hardware inside our exchange buildings, radio sites, rooftops, and outdoor locations to ensure that the BT estate continues to work no matter the circumstances, therefore ultimately ensuring our customers have the best possible experience.
What you'll be doing:

• Learning how to install, maintain, and repair key power and cooling systems.
• Working on low and high voltage systems, alarms, exchange generators, emergency lighting, cooling, and Power back supply.
• Supporting experienced engineers to keep BT's network up and running - ensuring the UK stays connected.
• Traveling to different sites to keep our critical infrastructure in top condition.

What we're looking for:

• Someone who is practical, hands-on, and loves problem-solving.
• A keen learner with an interest in Networks engineering, power systems, and technology.
• A full manual driving licence (as you'll be driving a company van).
• You will need to be within 45 minutes of our location - Kirkwall - KW15 1QW.
• A team player with a positive attitude and a willingness to get stuck in.

What you'll get in return:

• A paid apprenticeship with hands-on experience and a clear career path.
• A company van and all the tools you need to succeed.
• Training from experienced engineers and support to gain industry qualifications.
• The chance to work on real-world power and cooling systems that keep the UK's internet working.

Hours: 37.5 hrs Monday- Friday
The apprentice training course: As a Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician, you'll study for a Level 4 apprenticeship with Stoke College. You will be required to attend the College on a block release, Monday lunchtime to Friday lunchtime. There will be approximately 10 blocks per year.
Duration: Your apprenticeship scheme will be 3 years in duration. 20% of your working hours will be dedicated to studying.
Start date: 8th September 2025
The qualifications you'll need: Two A-Levels with a minimum of CC grades and a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 4-9 (C or above) including English and Maths, Maths must be B or higher.
By joining our team, you'll be at the heart of it all, helping to power the future of connectivity.
If you're ready to kickstart your career in engineering, apply now and take your first step towards becoming a qualified maintenance field engineer
Don't meet every single requirement?
Studies have shown that women and people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse or from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and criteria. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement on the , please apply anyway - you may just be the right candidate. We can explore this with you at the telephone interview stage.
Internal candidates will need to agree to the Terms & Conditions (including salary) of this Apprentice Role.
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