Business Support Adminstrator Review

My role involves supporting my pod (team), this varies from being responsible of assigning colleagues their work, help solving IT issues attending meetings creating agendas and taking minutes. I work alongside my ombudsman leader and mentor this allows me to communicate with stakeholders internally and externally whilst being involved in organisational projects to improve processes/ systems.

I often record and gather data for my team and stakeholders. This developed my analysis skills and Excel skills as I use Excel daily to update and record information/ statistics. We carry out e- learning which gives us a better understanding on the organisation and our departments.

I thoroughly enjoy my role & and highly recommend the option. I didn't plan the apprenticeship route however working at FOS makes me extremely grateful of my decision. I enjoy work very much - i never dread coming in or doing tasks as I get the support that I need.

It is structured well in terms of the planned events always go forward even during unprecedented times they've provided alternative options. The programme is well aligned with the job role as the tasks and responsibilities allows me to meet the apprenticeship criteria. The support has improved majorly since raising known issues.

FOS are extremely supportive and understanding of my studies - meetings and tasks are flexible when I have a submission to make or if I need to attend a webinar/ Face to Face session. I have regular catch ups with my manager and mentor to discuss progress/ any concerns.

The support is there as we receive feedback from work we submit, I have regular calls with my coach where questions are answered and detail is provided about upcoming events. We had to complete a separate qualification external to BPP which we didn't receive a lot of support from as we had many unanswered questions and uncertainty.

Working towards meeting criteria for Missions (assignments) does guide me to performing more in my role as I'll need to put the theory in practice but I wouldn't say the training providers impact my performance as this is more to do with my own/ organisations expectations. The company allows me to learn more about my industry by being involved with the practice groups rather than qualification.

There are many choices and options - FOS has different networks such as the Christian Fellowship Network, Muslim Network, Sikh Network and the Womens Network. This allows you to have a sense of belonging at work. We also have a sports and social tab on our intranet where you can find out more about events coming up. There is also a free gym in the building that has different classes you can attend.

Yes

The company is great for career development - you're encouraged to always improve and do what's best for yourself as well as the organisation. Although a lot of us apprentices are quite young in comparison to the other employees we are still treated with respect and taken seriously. You do not feel undermined. Personally working at FOS has been an excellent experience for me and I will definitely be aiming to stay within the organisation later on even after my apprenticeship has ended.

My top tip will be to have perseverance - the application process may seem time consuming but in the end it is worth it and 100% rewarding! Some advice is to speak about your experience and how you have learnt and improved from it - no matter how little you may feel it is, if it's impacted you speak about it. The company loves diversity and inclusion so showing your true personality and passions will allow them to understand more about you.