CSG Business Admin Apprentice Review

My role involves carrying out administrative tasks for the wider team, such as ordering stationery, booking in collections of burn bags, distributing fuel cards, organising team dial-ins, distributing information to the wider team via daily communications which are made on Sway. This allows the wider department to continue their key tasks.

I have never worked in an office environment before, or in an administration role, so this whole experience is new for me. For example, using a printer, scanner, laminator. In addition, I am harnessing my written English skills through internal emails to others within DE&S, written daily communications, external emails, etc. as well as my spoken English as there is much more communication with colleagues in this role.

I think the apprenticeship was poorly managed from the beginning as the apprenticeship was not explained to us until our third day. This includes not being explained the job role during the interview process. We waited several weeks to receive talent coaches for the scheme. Furthermore, we were not told which department we would be working in until the third day, which caused quite a lot of anxiety in several members of the apprenticeship cohort. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] Fifth more, I find that my placement struggles with what work to give me to reach my full potential in the apprenticeship and it has not been outlined to me how I can reach the higher grades in this apprenticeship. I feel as though the whole scheme is very disorganised, which prevents me from enjoying it. This being said, the pay on the scheme is good and the team in my placement are friendly, so I do enjoy coming into the office and seeing them, even if I am uneasy about the actual scheme.

I think the apprenticeship was poorly managed from the beginning as the apprenticeship was not explained to us until our third day. This includes not being explained the job role during the interview process. We waited several weeks to receive talent coaches for the scheme. Furthermore, we were not told which department we would be working in until the third day, which caused quite a lot of anxiety in several members of the apprenticeship cohort. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] Fifth more, I find that my placement struggles with what work to give me to reach my full potential in the apprenticeship and it has not been outlined to me how I can reach the higher grades in this apprenticeship. I feel as though the whole scheme is very disorganised, which prevents me from enjoying it.

DE&S are very orientated around employees bettering themselves, so they are very supportive. Any time that I need to complete my assignments is given to me willingly, as well as any time I need to attend meetings off of site. Although I occasionally struggle to get answers from my apprenticeship manager, I can usually get them from my talent coach at Knowledgepool (Capita) now that I have been assigned one.

In my placement, they struggle with what work to give me to evidence towards my qualification. This means that towards the end of the scheme, I may struggle to complete my portfolio to showcase what I have learned throughout the apprenticeship. My talent coach in Knowledgepool (Capita) is very helpful when I ask for assistance.

There are networks that you are able to join within DE&S as well as unions if you so wish.

Yes

I would recommend as the career progression post-apprenticeship is huge. In addition, the pay for the apprenticeship scheme is good, much higher than minimum wage.

Don’t expect to know what your role is for at least the first week. However, the pay is good and the environment is pleasant.