Apprentice Safety Officer Review

Conducting incident investigations on a regular basis, giving health & safety advice to many University departments, developing and utilising automated system to create an internal H&S training booking systems, writing toolbox talks, assist colleagues with conducting safety audits, first aid and fire warden training, learning about various fire safety systems and asbestos management, assist in creating an environmental management system, visiting a plethora of University buildings or varying ages to see how different departments manage their Health & Safety and suggest improvements to comply with the British Standards.

Drastically improved my confidence when talking to stakeholders & contractors, working with my team and others, creating presentations and presenting to an audience, time management skills to prioritise efficiency, learned how permit to work systems are used and issued numerous permits to dig/hot works permits, increased my knowledge on building management and pressure systems & lifting equipment inspections, trained to use lots of IT software systems such as Microsoft365 Forms, Teams & Power Automate and the University's online Incident Reporting system.

It took some time for me to settle into a routine at work (University of Oxford - Estates) as I was the first Apprentice Safety Officer to join my team. I exceeded the expectations of my manager & my team with my dedication and work ethic, and have been given more responsibility as a result. No two days are the same and its engaging to have many different projects working alongside each other. I have helped to my team streamline processes and identify areas where improvements can be made, voicing my suggestions and concerns to my colleagues. When I am unsure, I know I can always go to someone in my department and they will offer assistance to help me understand the situation/topic. In my apprenticeship lessons with my training provider, my tutor has been instrumental in developing my understanding in various safety topics and has commended my contribution in lessons. He nominated my for GLP Training's Apprentice of the Month Award in February, saying: "Jasmine embodies the ideal qualities of an apprentice. Her consistent excellence, valuable contributions, and practical application of knowledge make her a clear choice for the apprenticeship award. I have no doubt she will continue to shine in her chosen field and inspire others to do the same."

My lessons are once per month and there are 11 sessions in total. I initially thought that these would not be often enough and impact my ability to learn, however the monthly lessons allow me demonstrate my learning and give time to find an activity to practice my skills in my workplace. I have enjoyed how all of the topics covered in my programme can be related to each other and also applied to different aspects of the University.

My line manager and head of team are incredibly supportive. I am regularly praised for my assistance in projects and using my initiative. They recognise that often my workload can get quite heavy and will assist me with prioritising the most important areas, although they are aware that my apprenticeship assignments will take precedence. They both nominated me for the OxLEP apprenticeship awards as they have been impressed with my work ethic and and I was selected as a finalist. Line manager's comments: "Jasmine's proactive and innovative contributions have not only benefited the Compliance Team but also played a pivotal role in advancing safety awareness and operational efficiency across Estates Services." Head of Team's comments: "She is always thoughtful and committed to her written work, and asks good quality questions to ensure she is working to the right level and getting the right outcomes." My head of team is very encouraging of my learning and is an advocate for my next steps to undertake a Level 6 degree apprenticeship with the University. My manager has always been approachable and understanding, whether that's if I need to rearrange a meeting or Work From Home when I have a lesson.

My tutor is very involved with my learning and I can always reach out to him if I need any extra support with understanding my assignments in 1-2-1 sessions. He believes I will be on track to receive a distinction in my EPA with the efforts I have shown in lessons and my assignments. Some of the workbooks provided are worded in a way which makes it difficult to determine what is being asked and often I will need to get clarification. I think this is something that needs to be worked on, however my tutor is someone I can go to for this information.

Demonstrating my learning in my work environment has been essential to solidifying my understanding. I am able to refer to my lessons or assignments to implement in projects at work, ask the right questions in meetings, and provide relevant advice on certain subjects. I believe apprenticeships like mine are conducted in a way that positively benefits all: myself, my employer and my training provider.

I am an Apprentice Ambassador and go to various careers events with the University Apprenticeship team to promote apprenticeships. Helping students and parents/carers understand that other options are available, especially during a time where young people are expected to make big decisions about their future, has been incredibly insightful and motivating. I have shared my experience with education as I attended a sixth form to do A-Levels, got a diploma in a community college and spent 4+ years working full time, and stressed that my apprenticeship has been the best career path so far. I am involved with the University's Wellbeing team to signpost staff to the resources available, and attend monthly meetings to see what different departments are working on in regards to wellbeing support. With my role at the University, I take every opportunity I can to attend different lectures and events available to staff. I attended talks on Perfectionism, Conversations (Q&As) with the Vice Chancellor and an International Women's Day event on the topic of Gender Inequality in AI.

Yes

I already have! I enjoy the work/learn/life balance I have, and have made so many connections with people across the whole University. I recommended an IT Support Apprenticeship role that became available to my friend, encouraged them to apply as I believed they would be a great fit. They got the job and are enjoying their new position. I enjoy talking to them about our experience working at the University, understanding the role they have and we are now a lot closer because of it.

Express your interest for the apprenticeship you are applying for. Do your own research on the course and how apprenticeships work before submitting your application. Understand that you are not expected to know everything already! This is your opportunity to show your passion for your chosen field and demonstrate your interest in learning more.