Apprentice Executive Assistant Review

I am an apprentice executive assistant at EY. I work alongside other EA's and we manage seniors in the company. This includes booking travel, managing diaries and planning events/meetings. It is mainly admin duties so this does include things like printing and photocopying but at EY this is at a minimum as it is mainly computer-based work. You interact with different people who you may not have met and also will attend meetings and meet new people.

I have developed my communication skills as I am interacting with a number of different people on a day to day basis. Also, my IT skills as most of our work is computer based. I have learn new things which I didnt know such as different things in Microsoft Outlook. Also, how to navigate around EY software. People and professional skills have been developed as I have to communicate with those who I do not know.

I enjoy it thoroughly.

I very extremely valued as I feel that the people around me are very caring and considerate and take extra measures to ensure I am comfortable. Also, i feel valued because they treat me equally to the other EA's and do not make me feel like an apprentice. They develop relationships with me and are very helpful and approachabe when I need assistance.

As far as the work side is concerned, it is definitely up to scratch. EY are very organised and have not left any stone unturned in making sure that this programme is smooth for us from their side. However, BPP (the company providing the training and qualifications) are disorganised and confusing. I have regular weekly meetings with my mentor in the firm to discuss my progress and if there are any issues i would like to raise. I have 5 weekly calls with my skills coach at BPP where i have to discuss my training and issues.

I receive a below average amount of support. Although they are nice people, it seems they are a little lost in terms of what they are doing in their team. There were several issues when the programme started which they could not solve in an effective and timely manner. They need to focus more on each apprentice and give them the necessary support.

My employer is extremely helpful and supportive. They try their hardest to make the training side as smooth as possible too however, there is only so much they can do. My mentors and coaches always look for ways to help me improve and enjoy my experience. They involve me in all their work and provide assistance when i require it. they also teach me how to do things and give me responsibilities to make me feel more independent.

My salary meets my costs well as I have disposable income. It is relatively high compared to other apprenticeships and it well above the national average. The location is close to me so i am not spending more than £20 on travel each week and this is only a tiny bite out of my salary. Also, I have not reached tax-free allowance so I have a little extra in pocket until I do reach that.

There are several opportunities for me to pursue outside of work such as lifestyle activities and other events.

Yes

They are extremely supportive and have shown me a strong sense of organisation and a high level of commitment to this apprenticeship and those of us taking part. They have not become complacent and still give as must attention and support to us as they did in the beginning. It is an amazing experience. They value their apprentices.

Be yourself, if you don't really want it then don't apply for it. You have to be committed to to receive commitment. Always remember there are prospects for you here so you don't have to stay in the same role forever! Don't be lazy and ignore applications if they are long or require long answers - answer them and they will help you in the long run. Also, do research on the company and the training provider to ensure you know what you are getting into and what to expect.