Business Support Assistant Review

Generally, on top of my studies, I offer assistance to the team with the processing of new client acquisitions and renewals. This involves learning new programmes, and communicating with other members of the team to gather information that I need to process. Currently I don't have many external interactions but once I am more experienced I will start dealing with clients more.

I have learnt many new skills, as this is my first professional job. I had very limited knowledge of the insurance industry prior to this apprenticeship, and such have acquired a lot of new knowledge. Some new skills include the usage of various processing databases, whilst developing existing social skills when communicating with colleagues and formulating e-mails in a professional manner.

Things have obviously changed since working from home due to COVID-19, but I never felt any dismay at the thought of having to commute and go to work - I enjoyed being there and enjoyed learning new things. Since working from home, there has been very limited change in terms of progress; I still feel engaged with the team and gaining more responsibility each day.

I think the programme is very well structured, however the one thing I would say is that upon joining the company, it seemed that they were less aware of how the programme worked. However, I have been given an opportunity to join a team within the company to represent the apprentices and hopefully work towards further improving the integration into the company for new apprentices.

I receive a lot of support - I am always being sent things that could help with my learning, and have been given a 'buddy' within my team to help me with on-the-job tasks. I am aware that we have the opportunity to ask for study days, and are also given a day before each exam to study baseline.

Definitely as much as is needed - we have multiple 'workshops' for each exam, whereby a tutor from the provider comes to our office and goes through the material with us. She is very good ( even despite current circumstances, i.e having to conduct these workshops via Skype), and is happy to answer any questions we may have via e-mail.

The two are extremely compatible - everything I am learning is applicable to my role, or even if it isn't directly relevant, knowledge of the insurance market outside my role is always good. There are often times when people within my team are explaining things to me and I have to say I already know this from my studies!

Yes - there are many communities within the company that we are made aware of via presentations and meetings and are encouraged to get involved in them. This question is much harder to answer given current circumstances, but back when we were at the office the team would often like to meet up after work hours to celebrate a holiday or someone's birthday etc.

Yes

There is a great culture - everyone is really friendly and approachable whilst being professional and extremely good at what they do. There is also the added bonus of it being a highly regarded and respected company and feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to begin my career here.

I would tell them not to worry - if their experience is to be anything like mine was, people will be very welcoming and help them along their learning curve. It is always daunting joining a new company, especially as a young apprentice, but I would say it is important to be confident and put yourself forward as much as you can for new opportunities and responsibilities.