Apprentice Social Researcher Review

Monday to Thursday I focus on the work aspect of my apprenticeship so on a typical day I will either log on from home or the office and firstly check my teams and reply to any messages and then check my emails and reply to any if needed. I will then talk to my manager about my plan for the day and what I will be working on or he will explain any tasks which he has for me to do. I will also attend any team or other meetings I have in my calendar. I will spend time around meetings on my designated work for the day before logging off after doing around 7-8 hours.

I have learned various different skills since joining with a lot of them being research and analysis related such as how: how to read and identify things in data or writing research and I have also learned how to use lots of new software and programmes. I also feel like personal skills such as confidence, relationship building and my critical thinking has developed.

I do really enjoy my programme it has been a great opportunity so far and I can't wait to develop further and play a bigger role within my organisation and team.

The work side is well organised and structured however the university side has had some confusion but with my apprenticeship being brand new everyone involved is learning and now everything is running smoothly and there is no issues.

The support from my employer is great. Specifically my manager and my team I couldn't ask for any better and it has helped me settle in so much

I receive great support from my lecturers and staff at the university, they are always willing to help and answer any questions they get asked

In certain aspects the work we do at university links and helps me perform better in my role but I do not feel like I have used everything we have learned from university in my workplace and it could have probably linked more to the work we would be expected to do in our job roles.

Yes there are various different clubs and activities that are available in my work and my office in particular has regular social events and activities to get everyone together and network.

Yes

I would certainly recommend. it is a great organisation to work for. It's full of great people and provides great opportunities for personal and career progression I can't fault it at all so far.

I would say take your time with the application. it was quite a long process so just take it bit by bit and try your hardest. I would also say use all the help and prep materials which are available to you as they did help me a lot throughout the process.