Rating

8.7/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I am a fraud, error and debt support officer. Daily tasks includes responding to emails from finance business partners about the levels of debts in their area. I also complete mini audits on the use of government procurement cards within the department for education. On a daily basis I interact with finance business partners and our shared services provider. I also communicate with an external debt collection agency who works for us.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have learnt how to communicate to different types of people. I have learnt how to make communication more effective by taking an outcome based communication training. I have learnt how to use many high level functions on excel and I have developed my team working skills

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • As a programme itself I really enjoy it. I get the opportunity to take control of my own development and I don't have to just stick to my job - I can work shadow and get other experiences. However, the apprenticeship itself has been poorly managed in my opinion and my line manager hasn't been very supportive and understanding

    8/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by Civil Service?
  • It changes day by day with different people. Some people make me feel very valued by thanking me for helping them out. Others don't make me feel valued at all and I think there are levels of gradism

    8/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The apprenticeship is not very organised. I do a CIMA qualification and alongside this I have to complete a portfolio and get work experience doing particular tasks. The problem with this is that the department does none of the tasks that are asked as we outsource them to a shared services provider.

    6/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Kaplan is my training provider and are very supportive. They communicate quickly and the tutors are very good

    10/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • Recently I have received more support than before. My line manager has changed and now my current line manager ensures I have positive well being and is just there to ensure my pastoral care

    9/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • My salary is very good and has enabled me to meet my costs. My partner has struggled this past year so it has enabled me to meet his costs too

    10/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • The opportunities I have outside of work aren't as a result of work but what I have created for myself

    9/10

  • 9. Would you recommend Civil Service to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • I think I was unlucky with my role but there are so many roles and responsibilities. It is well paid and you can see a very clear career path


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Civil Service?
  • Make sure you speak up when you have any problems. Thoroughly understand the competencies of the civil service as they are used for everything


Details

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Accounting, Finance

North West

May 2016


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