Rating

10/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • As part of my role at Portsmouth City Council I am responsible for managing the Learning & Development team's inbox and room bookings. I am also an administrator for our training website, which involves setting up user accounts, resetting login details, booking and cancelling training and running reports. Another aspect of my work is supporting the Apprenticeship team within the council; supporting them in organising events and providing admin assistance as they help other Apprentices in the workplace.

    10/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • As an IT Application Specialist Apprentice I have built upon my pre-existing IT skills and received training in the latest computer software. In particular I have improved my use of Microsoft packages, and developed an ability to review software on usability compared against its cost. I have also gained the skills necessary to explain IT to other users, and train them on the operating procedures for specific purposes.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I am incredibly pleased with the programme I am working through, and enjoy being able to use for burgeoning IT skills to help others. I have a good relationship with my coworkers and my training provider, and feel respected in my role.I am looking forward to completing my Apprenticeship next year and using this qualification, as well as the work experience, to further my career at Portsmouth City Council.

    10/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • My programme offers the flexibility to carry out my Apprenticeship work in a manner that suits me. I do not have a set day of each week allocated for training, instead I can prioritise my own workload and complete my Apprenticeship work in and around other tasks. This has the added benefit of being able to directly reference a project in my coursework, having taken notes of how the work was completed to be used as recorded evidence. I also have the option to set aside specific time in my calendar should I feel the need to dedicate a larger amount of time to completing my Apprenticeship.

    10/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • My line manager, as well as my whole team, are incredibly supportive, and understand my desire to complete my Apprenticeship to a high standard . They therefore are willing to work around my schedule where necessary, and offer their own knowledge and expertise where pertinent to my studies. I am also fortunate enough to be employed by Portsmouth City Council who have a commitment to paying their employees a fair wage, including Apprentices.

    10/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • I meet regularly with my training provider where we discuss my progress and agree on the appropriate next steps forward as I work towards completing my qualification. They have also been very kind to include me (for free) on training courses that they have run for other clientele, which they deemed relevant to my Apprenticeship.

    10/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • As an IT Application Specialist Apprentice I am developing my IT skills which are essential to my role at Portsmouth City Council. My job is incredibly reliant on my ability to use computer software and my taking this qualification, I have not only improved my own skills, but helped the efficiency of my team.

    10/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • Portsmouth City Council is a diverse organisation with hundreds of teams spread across 10 Directorates. It is very keen to support staff wellbeing, and promotes a wide range of activities and events including; Yoga, Healthy Walks, Floorball, Chinese Kickboxing, Couch to 5K, Book Group and Singing Group. Cancer Support and Back Care are also available, as well as free training and eLearning courses. Portsmouth City Council also offers staff the option to take part in 'dress-down Friday' on the last Friday of each month, with a charity contribution going towards the local food bank. As well as all of the above, staff can host their own bake sales in support of other charities, and the council run several libraries across the city, one of which is situation next door to the main Civic Offices.

    10/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend Portsmouth City Council to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • Portsmouth City Council is a great place to work with excellent progression opportunities. The vast scale of the the organisation offers a variety of career options, and are incredibly supportive of upskilling staff. As a local authority, our work directly benefits the residents of Portsmouth, and offers a sense of job satisfaction that does not exist in the private sector. An added bonus, they have an excellent pension scheme and offer unique staff discounts across a variety of shops and services!


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Portsmouth City Council?
  • Portsmouth City Council use unique forms on their website to process job applications and recruit staff. These are designed so that those seeking employment show their interest in working for the council, and put the effort in to completing this paperwork. Depending on the role being applied for, Portsmouth City Council will typically invite successful candidates to a group interview, where you are assessed for your ability to work as part of team as well as your own own temperament, skills, and what you can bring to the organisation.


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Information Technology

Portsmouth

May 2019

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