Apprentice Programme Support Coordinator Review

I work in a student facing team so most of my tasks are related to providing support for students or helping with any preparation that is needed for the courses running that term. On a normal working day, I can have a various number of tasks. For example, I can start the day answering student queries, and then move onto helping prepare reading list materials for courses. Then I may be tasked with setting up course evaluations or drafting emails to a range of faculty members. I may be in contact with many teams across the organisation in one day, such as faculty, suppliers, and teams from other departments. My tasks really vary, which is one of the reasons why I like it so much, as I am never quite sure what my day will look like!

This apprenticeship has allowed me to build almost all the skills I wanted to improve when I was looking at starting an apprenticeship. I have been exposed to many different environments which has made me build my personal confidence, via networking with other members of teams, and taking part in tasks I may not have been willing to do 18 months ago. For example, at the beginning of my apprenticeship one type of task I was quite nervous about being part of was purchasing. At the very beginning of my apprenticeship, I was put on an internal training course on how to use the financial system used in the University of Oxford which helped me to understand how to use the system. Over the past 18 months I have used the training I was given, alongside picking up tips from other members of my team and practiced becoming more confident with the system. Now, I will feel confident when purchasing as I have been given the opportunity to learn and develop my efficiency when completing purchasing tasks. A skill I have developed is communication. I have always felt like I have communicated well and been able to adapt my style to fit the situation. However, since starting this apprenticeship I have watched numerous training videos to improve, and I have been able to attend many events where I have been able to practice the use of my new skills. This has helped me improve and some members of my team have told me they can see a big difference in my communication skills, as I have progressed.

I have really enjoyed my experience and if I had to re-do my time again, I would still take part in this apprenticeship as it was the best option for me. I have gained work experience in many different areas such as teamwork and time management which are skills I really wanted to develop. Also, this has given me a really good experience with what it can be like working within a team at the University of Oxford, as prior to this apprenticeship I was new to the working world. I have been able to start off my career in an amazing organisation, and because of this I am keen to stay with them after my contract ends. I think that the past 18 months have shown me the good things we can achieve, and how committed the organisation is in supporting not only its employees, but the environment and community around it. Obviously, there is always some areas which you are not keen on, in everything we do, but I believe that the positives I have found from this outweigh these minor drawbacks.

Personally, I think my programme is well structured. I know who to contact if I feel like I need any additional training, or what I need to do if I feel like I have an important point to raise within my team, or regarding the details of my apprenticeship. I am given the time I feel is needed to work on my apprenticeship documents such as for my end point assessment, and my line manager and team are very supportive when it comes to helping me with anything relating to my programme. My line manager has provided me with the most support as they help with my task management, to ensure I am not overworked all the time. I have regular meetings with my line manager and mentor, and the whole team regularly get together so we can update everyone. This means we are all in contact with each other and we have a good working relationship to help us complete our daily tasks.

I receive constant support from my line manager in our daily catch ups, and I have a close working relationship with them which means I always feel comfortable talking to them about any work situation. I know I have access to many support sites, as I am always kept updated by the HR team who to help guide the apprentices through our time at the organisation. For example, if any wellbeing training arises we are always informed about it to ensure we are looking after ourselves correctly. I know that if I were to ask for support, I would be able to ask my manager, senior members of my team, HR, or most of my colleagues, and feel like I will be guided to the right direction.

For the most part I feel like I receive good support and help if asked for it. I know who to contact and I do enjoy talking to my contacts at the training provider. I can email or phone with any questions and feel assured that I will receive a useful response as soon as possible. The only area where I think the support could be better is when finalising and ensuring all my portfolio and final assessed pieces of work are as good as can be. I found sometimes I would ask for constructive feedback to help pinpoint where I could add more depth/ detail to help reach the stage that my work is ready to be sent to be assessed, and sometimes not receive it. For example, I may receive an email back that may have some rough ideas, but then not in enough detail and specific to my work, to be able to make me feel confident I was on the right track.

I feel that nearly everything I have been learning via my training provider has been of use. I feel that the review of general business skills and tasks has helped me to gain a better understanding of the terminology and tasks I will hear during my job. For example, I was shown the different forms of communication and how to adapt your style depending on the form of communication you are using, and since then I have been able to better assess what would be the most efficient, timely, and relevant way to send a communication to a colleague. If I wanted to contact a member of my team I will be less formal and send a direct message, but if I am talking to senior faculty about an issue they have raised, I will email or phone them to discuss in more detail.

As a member of the University of Oxford, I am included in training notifications, such as if there is a form of training that may be of use to those in certain job roles. I attended a training session after work with a group of colleagues which was around how best to tackle public speaking with a guest keynote speaker, which was exclusive to University staff members. This was of use as I know this is an area of my skills that needs improvement, and I am interested in strengthening. I am also invited to various activities that happen throughout the day such as online yoga sessions, family friendly activities, and there are often workshops and opportunities to network and meet people from around the organisation.

Yes

I have had a really good experience with working for this organisation. I have been able to attend many different training courses, both online and in person, I have been able to help with a wide number of tasks in my team, I have always received support, and I have not yet met anyone who has provided me with a bad experience. I always feel like I am valued and a key member of my team which makes me more motivated to do well. I also feel like the opportunities I have been able to take part in from exclusive University staff training, to being able to liaise with all areas of the organisation is amazing. I have thoroughly enjoyed every part of my experience and think that University of Oxford has given me the best start in my career.

Be honest! If you are honest in your applications and feel like you have given your all in your efforts during the application and interview process, it will allow not only yourself to feel more positive with your efforts, but also the organisation will be able to get to know the real you, who may just be the type of person they are looking for. I would also suggest being open and asking any questions you have. Most people I have met in the University have loved to help answer any queries, and I think if you ask questions from the beginning, it helps to show what type of a person you are. Also, if you see more than one job/programme you would like to apply for, then go ahead and apply. You may not be successful in one of them, but if you apply for any that you have a serious interest in or think would be something you would enjoy, it may provide you with the chance to succeed.