Administrative Officer Review

I am an Administrative Officer for the Department of work and Pensions - working within the labour market statistics (LMS) team. Our immediate work consists of analysing LMS Statistics on a monthly basis, this includes figures like employment rates, unemployment rates, inactivity levels and significantly more key stats. These documents are then quality assessed and forwarded to ministers, DWP officials, press office and other stakeholders.

During my time in the DWP, my most notable skill I've developed is becoming an excel wizard despite starting as a novice. I'm able to fluently produce automation code in excel when conducting crucial analysis and I'm able to visually present these statistics with detailed graphs/charts. Furthermore, I've gained experience in utilizing other useful statistical applications like SAS - this allows you to access/produce data that hasn't been published officially! Finally - I've significantly developed my confidence and leadership skills since I started this role, I've been in many situations where I've had to take initiative and make time-sensitive decisions for my team. Overall, I've become a better version of myself, and I can only hope that will grow while I spend more time in this role.

The apprenticeship programme is much less harsh than I expected, flexible working hours allows for me to adapt my schedule to what best works for my study and personal time, the job has also offered momentous opportunities/experiences which I never thought possible - for example, I got to visit and enter No 10 downing street to speak with briefing officials. I admit there have been times where I've thought 'You know I'm quite inundated with work' or 'This university module is so complex' however - the benefits of going through this programme will pay off substantially for my future.

Primarily, the programme workwise is well structured. Consistent meetings with grade managers and work-managers - discussing my apprenticeship's exams/expectations thoroughly. The university side of the apprenticeship is also fairly well structured in terms of timetabled lectures and exams. However, my only criticism would be the use of APTEM as I can find the website quite tedious and impractical.

Whenever a problem arises - for example, if I need to inform my employer when I need to take time off for an exam or need to adjust my working schedule for University/work events; I have always been granted the flexibility needed. Moreover, If I am having issues with workload - my manager/s have provided tremendous support and understanding when necessary.

At work there isn't generally much assistance besides catch-ups with apprenticeship managers occurring approximately every 4-8 weeks. On the other hand, the university provides a forum for apprentices to ask questions - the feedback here is almost always brilliant. Furthermore, lecturers host webinars every week or so to go through solutions and assist us further.

The actual degree hasn't contributed too much to the given tasks at work, I work in the labour market statistics team and the greatest impact the degree has made on my work is expanding my knowledge of excel rather than the micro/macro economic concepts that come with it - however, keep in mind that this will vary for any position/department you work in.

There are many opportunities to get involved with different social activities outside of work, for example - I've had the chance to visit my university and meet my lecturers/other apprentices, I've gotten the chance to go to bars, golfing, ball-rooms, football, quizzes, and many other social environments. There is generally a good sense of community within the apprenticeship.

Yes

The government apprenticeship scheme is a generous opportunity with far more to offer than you'd might think at first glance, When I was 17, I knew I wanted to get straight into work and not have to spend £50k+ on a degree, while gaining little to no work experience. This apprenticeship provided me with the best of both worlds. I have a head start of 4 years worth of work experience and no debt, and I owe it all to this apprenticeship scheme.

The competition is fierce but that doesn't mean you can't be too. First - Within your initial application, make sure you are clearly enthusiastic about the role and are well versed with current economic affairs. Apply your background to how you'll do well in the scheme. For example I used my choices of A-levels (Mathematics, Physics, Economics) and demonstrated my interest in the changes of Brexit within the economy to show why I'd be a great in this role. Secondly - Prepare for your interview/tests, practice general interview questions like the initial 'Tell me about yourself' by recording your response, and tweaking it to the best version it can be, follow 'LetThemTalkTV' on youtube to find out how to better answer this and other questions. THE KEY COMPONENT HERE IS APPLYING WORK EXPERIENCE TO YOUR ANSWERS! Finally - Within the proper interview, be professional and do NOT wear something casual. Instead wear a suit or professional equivalent to show you are serious about this role. Make sure to smile and REMEMBER, USE YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE BACKGROUND and explain how it developed your skills (for example as a leader, as a team-player, confidence, etc.)