Diary Manager to Deputy Director Review

Throughout my apprenticeship, I have undertaken many different roles. The majority of my apprenticeship has consisted of being a diary manager to a deputy director (DD). My daily tasks would consist of creating a pack for my DD which would contain his schedule for the day and any meeting papers they need. I would also manage their inbox and would sort them into categories. I would also respond to any queries that I could answer. My DD would also ask me to book meetings with relevant stakeholders internal to my department and also externally within other government departments. I would then liaise with their offices and book meeting rooms. My main responsibility was managing the DD's inbox and their diary, making sure that nothing was missed and that everything was kept up to date and organised.

I am currently studying towards a Level 4 HNC and NVQ in Business Administration. This has meant that I have gained a large amount of knowledge in this area, which in turn has helped me with applying this information in my office. Through my job, I have developed many skills such as organisation and my IT skills. I have been asked many times to produce spreadsheets in excel and slide decks for meetings which has meant that I have improved on my presentation skills also. My department also offers many different master classes to attend to develop your knowledge and skills in a variety of areas such as how to behave in the work environment and information on external departments.

I greatly enjoy the program that I am. My work has been challenging and has allowed me to expand my skill set. I have been a part of a very caring team who have helped me in my development throughout my time. The company culture is incredibly diverse, accepting people from a variety of different backgrounds. My program has met my expectations as I have been able to gain experience to help me develop within my career, which is what I set out to do when I joined my team.

I feel very valued within the Civil Service. As stated in the previous question, my department is incredibly inclusive and accepts people from a variety of backgrounds. My line manager has always listened to my wishes and worries and has helped me achieve my goals. I have been recognised internally though our programme awards, voted for by my colleagues. I have also been involved in a variety of pieces of work and my contribution has always been valued and welcomed.

I believe that my programme is very organised and well structured. I had a good induction in my department and with my programme where I met other apprentices in my building. I was offered support in completing my qualification and training in how to be effective in my job role. I have had both an apprenticeship mentor and a internal mentor who helped me develop my experience.

I have had both a HNC tutor and a NVQ tutor in my apprenticeship. Both of my tutors have helped and advised me when completing my work on what I should include and how I can improve on my work. If I have any problems, I have emailed or called them and they have then helped guide me through any issues I have had. I have enjoyed both of my tutors as they have always been there to support me through my studies.

I have had large amount of support in my apprenticeship from my employer. My line manage has always supported me in my work and also my studying. I have been given a mentor in my department to help develop my skills. If I have had any issues, I have been able to ask my employers and colleagues for help which they are always happy to do. My study commitments have never got in the way of my job and my employers have always been supportive.

I have very impressed with the salary I have been given. I am in London so I am receiving an inner London based salary. I have been able to meet my living costs. I have used an apprenticeship oyster card for a year which has meant I can have discount train tickets. I have been able to afford daily items such as lunch and social events.

My company has put on many different events for us to network and learn about other areas and departments. We are also encouraged to undertake charity team days which usually last a day. In my London location, there are many places to visit outside work with colleagues. My department also has a scheme for employees to get discounted holidays, trips and days out.

Yes

I would recommend this scheme to a friend as I have been able to work, gain a high level qualification and earn a good wage at the same time. I have been able to develop my skills and experience to help further my career within my department. My employer has also been incredibly supportive with balancing my studying with my day job.

I would say that you should make sure you focus in your assessment centre but do not put too much pressure on yourself. The assessors want to see you as a person which means you should try and relax as much as possible. I would also say that you should take as many opportunities you are given to help develop your experience and skills as this will help you later down the line when you want to develop within your department or organisation.