Regional Operations Manager Review

Management of the contracts within the West Region to ensure service is delivered on time and within budgets. Responsible for managing employees (immediate and those in tiers below) and all financial and safety aspects associated with the work carried out to ensure our contracts are delivered in accordance with the agreed requirements.

Throughout the apprenticeship journey my skills have been generally been enhanced. I have learnt some new skills & been able to implement some of these in the workplace. Although the apprenticeship has mainly developed existing skills, these have been skills that can be utilised in the workplace so have been easily incorporated.

The programme of study is great in that we spend time away from the office and the responsibilities of our roles. However, it can be difficult to manage the expectations of others when part of that study requirement is two full days off site attending University. Overall through, the programme of study, learning, and meeting new people have been positive.

The structure of the programme is good, it has a varied content and a range of methods of delivery. Assessments have been carried out in a range of formats - essay, report, presentation - with feedback being provided on the content. What isn't always so well structured is accessing online course material.

My employer is supportive in allowing the apprenticeship to be accessed and attended, but perhaps most significant is the support to bring ideas and new ways of working into the business. Where new possibilities are identified as part of the apprenticeship (whether as a learning outcome or the sharing of best practice with others on the course), my employer has embraced discussions regarding the implementation of these in our workplace.

My University Lecturers have been supportive in discussion the requirements of assessment pieces, sharing relevant information as early as possible, and also arranging additional sessions to discuss the assessments. Support is then provided in terms of assessment feedback in order to ensure continuous improvements can be made (where necessary) as the assessment elements progress.

Learning new skills and enhancing ones already held has made the delivery of some role elements to be much easier. Spending time away from the office has required the expectations of others to be better managed than previously. Meeting new people and my interactions with them has developed my skill set to ensure that messages I communicate are completed as effectively as possible.

There are some social activities within the workplace, but there tends to be more focus on the professional networking events that are arranged both regionally and nationally.

Yes

Working here gives a good opportunity to learn and grow. There are a range of opportunities to be involved in to the extent that is required, whether this is at a low level or very active. The options for further study are vast - from the courses on offer to the method of delivery.

The work requires focus, honesty and hard work - but all three in the right combination ensure that work is enjoyable each day!