Operations Manager Review

I lead multiple employability teams on the Restart Scheme, a welfare to work programme operated by the Department for work and pensions. My teams cover Hertfordshire (Watford , Hemel Hempstead, St Alban's) where serve the customer base of the Job centre plus to support their customers into long term , sustainable employment. This is achieved through supporting participants with upskilling through in-house and external training , supporting with wellbeing and offering a best-in-class job brokerage service

I have definitely furthered my leadership skill and ability through the duration of the apprenticeship. What I've found as I've progressed , is I already practice much of what we discuss and learn about in respect of theory or knowledge, that said I've been absolutely able to refine how I operate. Additionally , it has prompted regular reflection activities , which support all aspects of what I do in the workplace

The apprenticeship has taught me some new aspects , particularly within the theoretical aspects of leadership , it has introduced the concept of reflection. I find the apprenticeship has not hindered my professional development In terms of the work / time spent learning and studying , however I certainly appreciate how it has supported and influenced some aspects in a positive light

Delivered entirely remotely , with frequent reviews and check-ins primarily over MS Teams. I personally find remote delivery to be less- optimal than face-to-face , that said , it has certainly complemented my work schedule in that respect. My tutors have clearly explained work and due dates and more often than provided a good level of feedback

My employer , moreso my line manager has been totally supportive of my apprenticeship, ensuring I have allocated term to dedicate to the apprenticeship during my working week ,checking in with me no less than 4-weekly and generally offering support. Additionally the learning & development function internally has offered 4 weekly check ins and maintained a good level of support throughout

I feel like this is dependent on the learners needs. As a self-starting individual , I have not needed to ask for too much support on tasks / assignments from my tutors , that said , we have explored and discussed through feedback where to go. Additionally , I have been provided aore than sufficient level of detail as I'm assigned a task , to ensure I'm fully capable of completing the task in a timely manner

I have progressed and been promoted mid-apprenticeship and whilst I cannot attribute that entirely to the qualification, I can certainly agree with the idea that many aspects of my working day , from effective communication to understanding and taking under consideration learning styles of my team members and so on have absolutely been influenced by the apprenticeship and to that end , I can agree it has helped me to perform better

There is a running club that I have recently been invited to join , takes place through Strava. There are additional social groups that operate from within the business , locally we ensure my team's have social events and team exercises on a frequent basis which supplements broader business activities or groups

Yes

Rapidly growing business which encourages professional development and progression , bi-annual pay review processes , provression framework in place for all Co-members, PDPs are common place within the business , a well developed mentoring scheme also exists within the business and I would suggest the business adequately supports all pathways and levels of new joiners

Research the business and it's interests / contracts to a good standard , much of what we do is in the public domain as a result of serving the public sector. Utilise Linkedin to map out stakeholders. Research core values and mission statement of the business to show you fully understand the culture that flows through the business