Business Administration Team Member Review

I am a Business Administration Services team member, which consists of data and document handling, training and development and individual responsibility. I have picked up several projects of my own and have different tasks to my other team members which I can take a lead on. I also interact with people both internally and externally which has developed my people skills and allows networking opportunities.

At Dstl there is constant training to ensure our jobs are being done effectively and efficiently, but there are also awareness courses for disability, diversity and other opportunities to develop skills and techniques. Security is a large focus in the business admin area of Dstl and there are often courses and reminders for the processes and rules to follow.

The programme has exceeded my expectations as the job advert was quite vague and did not outline the large variety of work that is involved in the job role I accepted. The team were very welcoming and the company is always evolving and open to new ideas.

Dstl's apprenticeship programme has a lot of benefits, however the role is trained a lot slower than any other new starters, despite an apprentice being fully capable. This can sometimes made me feel like I am being held back in my role and that I would like more access to things other new starters have. It also means I pick up a lot of jobs on top of the role I have already taken, which I enjoy.

The NVQ work is very clearly structured and organised. Internal training is slower but has structure and allows the entire team to pass on knowledge and skills in the workplace. There is a buddy system and trainers to go to, but the whole team is friendly.

The training provider is very good, the support is constant and tailored to each person. Some apprentices need more assistance than others which means the provider must support us all at different levels but does not exclude anyone.

The employer is also very supportive. They are open to helping me with any issues and are effective in starting a route to resolution with the appropriate division or function ie HR, Finance, guidance and support. They are also very open to colleagues with disability.

It meets my personal costs well, as I still live at home and have few travel costs. Most of my money is my own which meets my needs well, however I know colleagues that are older than myself have taken pay cuts or less money than their previous role and are missing the money.

Outside of work there are many opportunities. There is a new starter society which invites all new people to events, with no exclusions. This is especially nice for people who are new to the area. There are also loads of team events to get involved with.

Yes

The benefits and potential within the company are really varied and extensive. The company itself is very well established and the apprenticeship route has a history of being successful, mostly ending in a career in a area they enjoy.

Not to be nervous. Often, Dstl is able to see potential and success in an interview candidate and are professional in the process. I would have liked to have been told what was important to the company and what about my application had impressed them when I got the job.