Business Support Assistant Review

I am an admin assistant working in one of the Adult Care teams who are responsible for commissioning and running training sessions for adult care staff. My role includes liaising with trainers and venues to book courses. I then complete the paperwork such as commissioning forms, booking forms and various contacts to send out. I also ensure that all the information is logged and monitored either in paper form on spread sheets. I am also responsible for answering phone calls and dealing with staff and trainer queries.

I have developed so many skills since starting in this role. I am not more competent and confident when communicating with colleagues and external contacts either on the phone, in email and face to face. I have developed my IT skills and am now more confined using software such as word and excel. Last year I underwent a minute taking course and am now relied on to take minutes for various meetings. I am able to manage my time and affectively prioritise my workload.

I really enjoy being an apprentice, not only is an opportunity to learn and earn but the 20% off the job time gives me the opportunity to see experience things I would never normally get to do. I have had the chance to shadow colleagues from different teams and spend days exploring different areas of the council which has allowed me the opportunity to work out where I would like to work full time. In addition I have learnt and developed so many valuable skills that I can take with me throughout my career.

It has been really well structured. We have internal apprenticeship trainers who deliver a weekly workshop to allow us time to complete our work as well as to be on hand to support us and answer any queries we may have. My Team leader is especially support of the programme and is always looking for shadowing opportunities in different teams to allow the opportunity to not only complete my 20% off the job training but also develop my skills and see new areas of the council.

Lincolnshire County Council are very supportive of the apprenticeship programme. My team leader and my apprenticeship trainer are always on hand to offer support with the course work as well as the 20% off the job time. I often have catch up with my team leader and trainer to discuss my progress and identify and gaps to that we can find a way to work through them. My work is always marked on time giving me the opportunity to make the necessary changes before moving on to the next unit. I am very happy with the support and encouragement I have received.

The training provider is supportive in that they supply us with all the information we need to progress through the qualification. They have also offered various way to complete each unit which I think has really helped the qualification fun and interesting. I have recently started studying to take online tests rather than writing out long assignments.

The qualification has made taught me so much that I feel has better prepared me for my role. I know have a better understand of how to correctly communicate with colleagues and service users. I have also become more aware of British values and equality and diversity in the workplace and am now better able to understand how to make the working environment a respectful and inclusive environment. I am able to manage diary systems and spread sheet which in turns has improved the way I manage my time and workload.

I am currently involved in the global challenge. It is a walking challenge that encourages employees to walk 10,000 or more steps a day which encourages a health lifestyle. we often arrange lunch time leg stretch's and team walks. It also inspires friendly competitions amongst the different areas and teams throughout the council.

Yes

Lincolnshire County Council is a great company to work for with lots of different areas and services to explore. As an apprentice you are encouraged to go and see which teams appeal to you and where you would like to work full time and what you would like to do if you decide to stay on after the qualification ends. You are fully supported by colleagues, team leaders and apprenticeships trainers throughout to ensure you pass the qualification. In addition to all this the council offers a fair and competitive salary that appeals to everyone of all ages.

If you decide to do an apprenticeship at LCC I would advise you to try and explore as many different areas as you can while doing your qualification. It really is an excellent opportunity to go and find about all different services how they work and what they do for the community, which is really something you wouldn't get to do anywhere else.