Business Support Review

My role involves the everyday administration duties of business support- ordering stationary, room booking, managing databases and engaging with many different stakeholders. Lots of my role involves communication tasks such as newsletters and training packs. I maintain records, policies and procedures. I work with a range of different people all from different backgrounds and levels.

Going from a Teaching Assistant to Business support the apprenticeship helped me build up skills that cover all aspects of the role. My communication skills, IT skills, engaging with stakeholders, my professional behaviours, knowledge of the organisation and where my role fits within it. I have always had strong communication skills but the course helped me use these in a different environment.

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme and how fast-paced it could be. I also enjoyed that I could carry on my course a duties whilst working from home, due to Covid-19. I enjoyed being able to move around different placements to help built my knowledge and experience, of my new role.

The programme has a clear structure from start to finish. We were told what to expect at each stage. Nobody expected to be working from home but they managed to run the programme very well considering and kept us informed on any changes. The continued support throughout helped the smooth running, of the course.

I received thorough support, throughout the programme. I was able to get support via email, phone and face to face. Nothing was too much trouble and there were no such things and silly questions. There were many different people I could go to for help and they were always happy to help.

Considering lots of my course was meant to be face to face. The course providers did a brilliant job at running workshops remotely and being available on MS Teams and emails. They responded to any questions very quickly and were more than happy to help. I felt supported throughout the course.

Through the knowledge gained from my course providers I was able to apply it to my workplace. It helped me built my understanding of the type of organisation I work for and how I can support them. As well as learning the rules and policies that apply to my working role.

They are many sport teams I can get involved with as well as many different networking opportunities. They hold many function events on equality and diversity. All teams I work in have had a lovely social side where they like to cater to all people’s taste to get them involved.

Yes

I would recommend DE&S to a friend because it is a great place to work due to the development opportunities and the support you are given to continue to grow. It’s a very professional and friendly environment. It is also a very exciting place to work, whatever role you sit in.

Be prepared to ask questions and do not be scared to do so. Employees love to be asked questions about their role and how you can support them. By asking questions you will build your understanding quicker and will begin to understand how the organisation works. Also, continue to look out for the different development opportunities that they provide.