Executive Officer for Young People South Review

I am an executive officer and the Department for Education in the South Young People's team based in Westminster. My daily tasks consist of booking meeting rooms, travel, hotels etc. for myself and other senior colleagues. I liaise with colleges to arrange external meetings, then prepare the agenda, attend the meeting and write the minutes. I am part of a small group in my team that work together to arrange Learning and Development opportunities to encourage new skills and knowledge. I sit within my team and we have regular informal and formal meetings to discuss progress, I also meet the other group of apprentices in the DfE for social activities as well as catch up's to discuss our apprenticeship work.

I have built a lot of confidence in speaking to new people and putting myself in different situations. I am now comfortable speaking in team meetings and speaking to senior members of staff. I have learnt how to minute take and I am still improving my skills. I am developing my essay writing skills through the regular assignments set by my NVQ and HNC assessors.

I really enjoy working with a group of friendly people in my immediate team that have made me feel welcome as soon as I joined. I also enjoy working with the other apprentices of a similar age to me and meeting with them on a social basis as well as work. I love working in Westminster with the great atmosphere and I can imagine it will be very nice in the Summer having lunch in the sun!

I feel extremely valued by the Civil Service and they are always willing to help and encourage me to take on as many opportunities as possible.

Initially, there was quite a lot of problems regarding the Fast Track programme such as a lot of long wordy emails that were very confusing and left people with a lot of questions. People were unsure of when the college days were and when they were an unsure of the time frame. However, now 4 months into the apprenticeship work we have been giving a forward plan and feel more organised.

I have 2 tutors, one for the HNC and one for the NVQ. The HNC tutor has received a few complaint emails because of the initial problems however he has responded and discussed this during the college days. When the first assignments were marked, a lot of people were not satisfied by the mark scheme and how he marked, however he told us that this was something he is unable to change but he will work with us to make us get used to it.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. My first line manager had gone through a talent programme herself so understood my needs of the time off to complete the apprenticeship work set. My new line manager is a senior member of staff however, he is also willing to let me take time out to complete my studies and sets my work that will help me meet the tasks set.

My salary is great!! As it is a higher level 4 apprenticeship and because I receive London weighting. I have a 3 hour commute in total and my train fares cost a lot, however with this salary I feel like I have sufficient money to afford my bills as well as still have money to socialise and do what I like!

The Fast Track provide opportunities to visit number 10 or meet with other apprentices in different departments to discuss your experiences. I have been to a National Apprenticeship Show which was great to get to talk to people that are in the position I was in a year ago. My team also have arranged a trip to the Houses of Parliament.

Yes

I thoroughly enjoy working in London and enjoy being in a team full of lovely people and also having the experience to meet other apprentices in my department and other departments. The salary is great and there is a lot of opportunities to move around other departments within the Civil Service

Firstly, be confident. At the assessment centre stage you need to match your experiences and skills with the Civil Service competencies. Be willing to take on opportunities and risks and admit when something has gone wrong but also show how you got around it so you can learn from it.