Business Improvement Officer Review

As a Business Improvement Officer, I am responsible for the Corrective and Preventative Action process across the contract. This involves overseeing and managing the process to ensure the root cause has been addressed and continual improvement is achieved. I also manage and co-ordinate the audit programme. This involves assigning audit areas to auditors and ensure they are completed within a timely manner and to a high standard. I am also required to carry out audits myself - against legal requirements, company policy and ISO Standards. I also develop the contract's processes and coach manager's to review their documents on an annual basis. My job is very diverse: one day I could be reviewing the Quality Plan and the next day I could be on site observing operations. Everyday is exciting.

I joined the company straight from school, so I've learnt and developed a vast amount of skills. Communication is one of them, which is key. I am now able to approach anyone at any level and communicate effectively with them. I have also gained a significant amount of confidence, enabling me to deliver presentations to large groups.

The programme offers such good opportunities. I am exposed to situations in the workplace that I wouldn't be if I didn't do the programme. This is helping me to gain vital experience and a full picture of the wider business besides my usual team. Sometimes the workload can be challenging to juggle alongside a full-time job, but it will be worth it.

My programme is structure well. I feel the units were planned correctly in line with us apprentices developing within the workplace. There is plenty of scheduled time for one-to-ones too which I think is really important. My only critic, is that we always have a crossover between finishing a unit and starting the next - this was a little confusing at first and isn't ideal, but it's something you get used to.

I feel I'm well supported within the workplace. I have plenty of opportunities to carry out 'off-the-job' tasks within work. I am also giving time away from the office to complete assignments which is a big help. I was assigned a mentor too, at the start of the programme. I find having a mentor useful - someone else to talk to who is impartial.

I feel completely supported by the university. There is plenty of support avaliable: classroom questions, one-to-ones, additional workshops, webinars. Some of my tutors also allow us to text them and schedule calls at any time. Additionally, we have a 'skills coach' who meets with us every quarter to help us with the apprenticeship side of things.

Since starting the qualification, I have been exposed to situations in the workplace that I probably wouldn't have been without. This includes working with different teams to get a full picture of the wider business. This has allowed me to carry out my role better whilst gaining an understanding of how we can work better with other teams.

At present, there are no extra-curricular activities at my work place. This may be an opportunity to consider for the future. However, we do hold meeting every quarter with other contracts across the country and alternate locations. This is an opportunity to share best practice and socialise with other peers in similar roles.

Yes

The apprenticeship programme offers the opportunity to rotate around the business giving new employees the exposure to various elements of the business. The atmosphere of the working environment is welcoming and a good place to work. Plenty of support and advice is available throughout your career. Individuals receive industry-recognised training and qualifications.

Ensure you do your research on the company values before attending the interview - this is key to showing them that you really care and want this job. Be prepared to give examples of the skills required for the job. Be open to new opportunities, be yourself and be inspiring about the future.