Apprentice Administrative Assistant Review

by University of Oxford

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

10/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Provide first line contact to all queries related to the department, whether in person, by email or phone, whilst learning and assisting in matters relating to HR, Finance, Facilities, Events and Graduate Admissions. Managing the department’s library system by updating reading lists, ordering new books and checking these in and out.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I found that I have grown massively in confidence and have been exposed to new areas while developing my knowledge on areas I was already familiar with. I am much more confident and comfortable with talking to a variety of people and to show initiative when completing tasks. My ability to balance my workload and prioritise my tasks accordingly has developed too

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the programme and have learnt a lot from each area I have explored, which is good as each day is never the same for me. I was made to feel very welcome and everyone is always able to help me whenever I have any doubts or queries.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

My programme has been very well structured, I know what coursework to do and when it is due. I have regular meetings with my college supervisor and my line manager and supervisor at work to manage my workload and to track progress. I have found it ties in nicely with my work and I am able to complete both in good time

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I have received a lot of support from my department and they have made completing my apprenticeship even better through this. I have been allocating time to focus on my apprenticeship portfolio and other things required for my showcase and they have been understanding and left me to do so.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I have received a lot of support from my training provider and college supervisor with regular catch up meetings to monitor my progress and to check my well-being. I have found the regular catch up meeting helpful as we are able to review my work and discuss any issues I have faced.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I am a lot more aware of how my qualifications and course work link to my role and I have found out more about the organisation and completed the relevant training to comply with the University’s rules and regulations. i am able to know how each are relates and am able to progress in all areas of my job

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

We have social events within my work regularly, either with just staff or with staff and students. I have taken part in many fun and informative training courses to network and develop my knowledge. We work hard to keep our working relationship but also making sure we can enjoy ourselves and network

10/10

9a. Would you recommend University of Oxford to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I have found my time at the university amazing and love being part of it. I feel everyone is valued and listened to and we all are able to support each other and work alongside one another when needed to. There are many benefits and a great variety of jobs within it.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to University of Oxford?

It can seem scary joining such a large organisation and when starting I was worried that I would struggle, but there is so much support and guidance to use within it. It has been amazing to start so young and grow within my department and meet many new faces and learn from them