Early Collections Apprentice Level 2 Review

My role involves taking a volume of calls from a number of customers who are currently customers of E.On. In this role I have to try to resolve customer queries that they may have with regards to their bills. For example if they have an estimated bill and are not able to pay the bill all in one. My job is to then establish their situation and then come up with a suitable payment arrangement to cover the balance of the debt but over a period of time and at an amount they can afford. My role does also include giving customers advice on how they can be saving money by providing energy saving tips, looking to see if they are on the best deal and also providing numbers to other services who may be able to help. I do have to communicate with other colleagues as well in order to help them and also provide support if they need it and the same goes the other way around.

I have developed on my public speaking skills as when I started this role I had to perform numerous PowerPoint in front of a a large group of people. When I first started at E.On I would shy away and not do this but E.On have encouraged me to come out of my shell. Also I have learned problem solving skills which I never thought I had along with self initiative. When a customer phones I I know understand exactly the reasons there energy could be so high and ways in which they can actually decrease their bills. Also I have now learned a detailed understanding of how E.On is performing in the energy market and exactly how energy is converted into the customer homes along with the different types of energy that this company offers.

I enjoy my programme very much as you are constantly talking to different people who have different problems for you to solve therefore you are never stuck with the same problem. In this workplace if you are stuck then there is plenty of support around in order to help you and you are always being told you can go further than what you think you are capable off. The training given is very relevant to the role you are in and also is simplified, if you do struggle then again their is support to help you understand in a different way. Constantly there are new departments that you can progress into within your time here and always room for continued development.

E.On make you feel very valued as you are always supported and told you can go further in your development if you try. If you do something good for example get a good positive score back from a survey then this is acknowledged by the team in the monthly stop the floor were the team is told about what the customer said you did good. Also the team managers are always reviewing you to help identify what are your strong points and were you can improve within the calls. The feedback from mangers is achievable and they will support you in everyway to enable you to achieve this.

The programme is very organised as you have the training implemented into your daily work so and also when the training takes place this is automatically adjusted to fit in with your daily work and any holidays you have. What is organised is if you need extra time in order to complete assignment work if you ask then this will be implemented ad this time will be given also the staff are on hand to help if needed.

My training provider is very supportive they attempt to come down at least once a month in order to deliver the classroom session and help with the assignment work if needed. If you have any issues with safeguarding or work there is always a number that you can call for help and they will help you out. If the assignment work is hard and you need help you can give them a call and they will help with the assignment work and possibly come down and see you to go through it with you. The training provider will also go out of their way to help you if needs be and contact relevant people on your behalf if needed or write any supporting letters.

Support from the employer is extremely good if you have any issues they will support you in trying to get them resolved. For example if you need time off for funerals etc they will honour that no questions asked and will not deduct any pay. The reason for this is they will just ask you to make that time back. If you are struggling with anything such as GP appointments and they deem in urgent to see a GP they will either sort out getting you to a medical centre, contacting the relevant people or getting you to see their own GP. The managers are extremely supportive and if you have any questions with regards to your job or pay for example they will help you as much as they can. For example I had an issue with 1 months pay and they phoned HR for me and got the money in my account within 3 days.

My salary just covers my outgoings each month. Due to the location of the building it does cost slightly a lot of money in order to get to hear each day by car therefore I have to get alternative transport however this is still quite expensive. However there is increases in pay through the course and at the end of the course there is enough to go off. The only problem is when you start off for the first 6 months it is very hard to manage with the starting rate. Most of my costs go on essential bills so if their was more of an income even by £100 it would be a lot easier.

Outside of work their are some opportunities you can take up on such as discounted holidays,cinema membership, events etc. However the majority of these have to be taken up at the start of the year. I believe they could be more opportunities outside of work or at least allow us to sigh up to these at any point through out the year. There are some promotions for example outside of work but only selected people do these who are specially employed for this job. If there was more options available then I believe I would take these up and take part in them

Yes

I would recommend to a friend because there are lots of training that is involved which helps with the job role itself. Also the work that is given is varied and is never the same on a day to day basis. The staff in the workplace are friendly are always willing to help if needed. If support is needed in the workplace with either work, health or wellbeing then their is plenty of support available for this to happen.

My advice to those applying for Eon is to ensure you read the job description carefully and ensure you do any research on the company that you are advised to do so. During the interview they will ask a few questions to do with the company and also ask why you believe E.On is the company for you. Do come dresses smartly as the presentation is one of the things they are looking for as well as your true personality as well as how you come across to them. Don't worry about any restrictions you have as E.On will do their best to accommodate this.