Business Admin Apprentice Review

My job title is Business admin apprentice and I work for Costain within the water sector. With the water sector ever growing and Costain too we have been able to develop a strong, professional relationship with our clients (Severn Trent Water). We really have been able to take on some massive opportunities. We have recently just won a 5 year contract from Severn Trent to help them deliver AMP6 as the best yet; with all these challenges ahead and everybody's job roles changing we are experiencing some intense changes. With my work load increasing rapidly I have had the brilliant moment to really get involved with the AMP6 managers, sitting directly with them I am constantly learning about the business and the water sector but also that every day is a new challenge. With me being their admin support i help them organise their meetings, arrange their calendars and support them in meetings by taking the minutes. Not only do I stay based in the office but if am lucky enough to travel with employees to visit our sites and complete my daily tasks. I have worked closely with our aftercare manager to help manage our defects on projects and this has involved me taking a large role in supporting our new quality system which was only launched back in April, I work on the system at least 4 times a week and have even had the privilege to train other employees. Every 2 weeks I will produce a report for 7 managers on how some of our top projects are developing, I rely on site managers to send me in information to then produce hard copy packs with an electronic version uploaded to our intranet. I have also worked with our health and safety team to host a monthly meeting for over 20 site managers to attend to really have an insight of the good & bad working practises that are happening out on site. This meeting requires a lot of organisation and is held out on site, these meeting will also carry on into the New Year. I communicate with so many employees throughout the day and whether this is face to face or via email I never know what my job list could be for the day.

I am currently working towards my NVQ Level 2 which should take me up to 2016 and then I hope to go onto Level 3. I have learnt so much with being with Costain as this is my first ''proper'' job and I have had the greatest privilege to be able to go on some brilliant training course. I have been on; PowerPoint extended course, excel extended course and even our own Costain's behavioural safety course. I am also looking to be going onto first aid course in the New Year. Whilst doing this job role i have learnt a lot about a professional working environment and how to adapt to the forever changing office. I have learnt an incredible amount about the water sector which has allowed me to do my job to the fullest. I have even become more computer literate and gained a lot of confidence with being able to communication on so many levels with different people. One thing i am really grateful to have the opportunity to do is to produce a monthly newsletter for our Supply Chain department. Studying journalism prior to this apprenticeship helped me get some great qualifications which have already come into use in the business.

I truly enjoy my work, the environment, the people and the clear future i could have ahead. I have learnt how to adapt to a working environment and how to work with a team full of all sorts of employees. Working at Costain has certainly met my expectations; i wouldn’t want to work elsewhere.

I have a review every 2 weeks with my line manager and i feel that this happening allows to express any concerns but also look into the future and plan ahead. Not only does my line manager praise me but other employee's have thanked me for the work i have don.

Costain constantly encourages employees to take part in the training courses they offer and are very accomodating to giving you the support you may need. I have great friendships and working relastionships through working with Costain and this does included a varity of employees, from status, to age, to job role... all sorts of types!

My NVQ tutor (Stuart) is very accomodating and has the best intrest in me achieving the best i can in my NVQ. Already 35% through my NVQ he has been able to offer me alot of support and advise and his regular visist help too.

I recieve a lot of support from many people here working at Costain, i have had first hand experience with support from my manager and the HR team. I believe that anyone here would be willing to help to any one in any situation.

My salary pack is something i couldn't imagen for my age. It has allowed me to purchase my first car but also still pay my small bills and still live a happy lifestyle.

I don't understand this question.

Yes

Because it's a company that truely believe's in all its employees and can offer so much.

Just be yourself:)