Apprentice Digital Communications Assistant Review

My role varies a lot day to day. I help to build and maintain our website, including adding new profiles and writing up news items. I also help create social media campaigns to go out across our different platforms; this involves a lot of planning and designing. I also get to assist with any events we are running.

I have learnt many new skills, mostly from learning how to use more software and new programmes for different tasks like the departmental bulletin and umbraco for our website. I continue to improve my written communication with the every day tasks that I do and feel like I have gained in confidence.

I find my programme thoroughly enjoyable. I find that I get so much out of it, yet it never feels overwhelming and there is flexibility. My activities are nicely spread out and merges into my job role seamlessly and I find them really helpful in consolidating what I have been learning.

I have found the structure to be really easy to follow and keep up with. I am never behind on an activity and feel as though I have the freedom to do these tasks on my terms and they slot in really well with my job role, I never feel like I have too much work on my plate.

I receive unlimited support from my employer and my manager. I have regular 1-1s as well as development reviews every few months to keep me on track to achieve my goals. Oxford University is one of the best and most supportive employers in every way and they really value the importance of good mental health in the workplace.

Although I communicate with my training provider virtually, QA are always on the end of a phone line or email and I regularly ask questions and have meetings every couple of months to monitor my progress. There are always groups and support lines you can call, if you are struggling and I think that this is really important.

My qualification makes a huge difference to my role as I learn more about different technologies and skills that I can take to my team and use to improve our digital marketing strategies as well as giving me a better idea of what tools are at my disposal.

At work, there are social events that I always look forward to such as the Christmas party and summer social. As well as this, I am on the University apprentice ambassador network, who run social events and opportunities for us to connect and get together.

Yes

I find Oxford University to be a great employer that offers loads of support, my department aids career progression, and has lots of benefits for staff.

I would say to go for it and to research your department to have an idea of where you will be working and the team you will be in as all the departments are, and work, very differently.