Business Support Assistant Review

I am a business admin support here at DSTL. I started my apprenticeship in September 2016. My daily tasks include diary managing, booking calendar appointments and ensuring that people are being supported with any admin requests and questions they may have.

I am offered a lot of training, this has helped me broaden my knowledge of a business environment as well as admin based tasks and jobs which I had no knowledge of before. After I have finished my apprenticeship as a level 2, I then also have the option to take up another apprenticeship as a level 3. This is a brilliant opportunity and gives you a chance to keep learning.

I am very fortunate to be working with a supportive and caring team. I am enjoying my course and I am currently on track to finish it in a year instead of 2. I like how I can go at my own pace and we are looked upon as individuals within DSTL and we are not expected to rush.

I feel as though we do get recognised for our hard work at DSTL, if I have done a good job with a customer or a task I will get praised by my team leader or my service lead. We also have the chance to win a DSTL Thank you, this is a formal recognition of any hard work we may have done during our time here. So therefore I think this is a big incentive.

I feel as though everyone was very prepared for us to all start as apprentices. A lot of support and training was already pre planned for us before we joined, however nothing was rushed. I feel as though there is a very good learn and work balance, I also feel as though there is a good task delegation. It is up to us as adults to let the team leader know if we feel that we are having too much put on top of us, however I don't think this happens very often. We are very good at working as a team.

My training provider comes in to my workplace to see me every 4-6 weeks to check my work and issue my next assignment. We are also able to email her or ring her if we have any questions or concerns. I feel as though Hazel does support me a lot and she is very good at helping me with any questions I don't understand and explaining things to me.

I feel as though I receive a good amount of support from my employer. I am given a lot of opportunities to take on responsibility and get involved in various things. I feel as though if I had a problem I would feel comfortable in raising this as an issue as I feel as though I am a valued and trusted member of DSTL.

Due to being on an apprenticeship the money isn't great, but I did know that before I enrolled. I did have to take a pay cut when I started my apprenticeship however I know it will be worth it in the long run. I do struggle to meet my bills and I am often left short every month, however after a year we do get a slight pay rise so hopefully I will be able to see an improvement in this aspect.

We are often encouraged to take part in events inside and outside of work. There are many events which take part in London or we are also told about certain groups who meet up after work.

Yes

I feel as though DSTL is a very good place to work, you are always open to different opportunities and have the chance to excel in many ways. I like the fact that I have the option to explore so many different job roles and I just find it a very good place to work.

The application process and interview process is quite difficult, however you just need to include everything you think is relevant. The interview process can be quite lengthy however just be yourself and show enthusiasm and willing to learn. I would also recommend to have a little bit of background knowledge on DSTL before applying, they will like it if you show some willing.