Administration Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis I deal with customer queries as well as internal and external phone queries. We provide administrative support across the business and this can take the form of a variety of different taks.

I have developed my ability to get to the root of a query with little information and have also developed my phone skills. I have learnt the skills necessary to carry out each task, however these are not widely transferrable outside of the company.

I enjoy the Apprenticeship programme as it has given me a chance to learn on the job whilst still gaining the relevant qualifications. I found the traning to be helpful and well-timed and it definitely helped my confidence within the organisation.

I feel very valued by DSTL and this can be seen through the importance of the work that we do. As an Apprentice I have been welcomed into the team and shown the best ways of working to acheive the tasks at hand.

The programme is quite well structured, with one half day per week spend at college completing the necessary qualifications. During the rest of the week there is a training plan in place (for the first six months) and this helps to slowly develop the skills that you will need without overloading you with information.

The teachers at college are available to answer any NVQ related questions and come into the workplace in order to carry out observations. This means that they can liase with the managers in order to give the best support that they can.

I recieve a lot of support from my employer and the manager is always available if there are any queries or questions that arise. We have a lot of support regarding training and development opportunities and are encouraged to take every opportunity that we are given.

The salary, when compared to other Apprentices, is very good and definitely meets the cost of travel to the workplace. After a year the salary increases and I was pleasantly surprised at the pay packet.

There are opportunities outside of work to socialise with other new starters auch as going for meals, to the cinema or on days out. This helps to integrate within the organisation.

Yes

I would recommend working at DSTL to a friend as they are a flexible employer who have plenty of training opportunities to point your career in the direction of your choice.

I would advise others who are applying to DSTL that it is unlike any other Administration job due to the widely varied tasks, however the teams are welcoming and no question is a stupid one.