Apprentice Administrator Review

My Role with the college was working within the Digital Engagement Team (DET) and working along side the Marketing department. Within DET the main role was working with the colleges admissions and enrollments. This evolved completing and inputting applications, working with multiple systems to keep the data accurate, partaking in the main enrollment of the students in August/September and working extra hours to cover this busy period. The role also included dealing with customers via face to face at our counter and over the phone and via emails, Taking payments over the high till for trips and other miscellaneous products. We also worked closely with the marketing department helping with open and welcome day events and the initial set up to create the best experience for the potential and returning students.

Within the role I defiantly because more confident with dealing with customers and providing the best service possible. This has helped me secure a permanent position within the college and has gone along way in developing myself on a professional and personal level. I also gained skills in money handling, Computer based skills such as working with different systems, Time management and working to tight deadlines. These skills have been useful in all walks of life and I have been able to develop on these skill. Other skills such as a professional telephone manner and general understating of the college's oeration was also gained.

The apprenticeship program was actually well planned out. I had a great assessor that helped motivate me and made sure I knew what I was doing in order to achieve the qualification on time. Whilst it did take a while to get starter I eventually got into the swing of it and the program was coming along nicely. I enjoyed the course as a whole as I could relate to it and use past experiences as answers to questions whilst developing on the skills and knowledge gained in earlier walks of life. The course content was through and interesting to research and I could relate to it easily within my job role.

The level two program was well structured with good support and a easy to follow overview of what you have to do the achieve the qualification. My assessor was excellent at helping me with any sections that we not as clear as they could be and I did find the units to be a little confusing when trying to stay organized. Why they can't simply be unit 1-10 say is odd when I had units 304, 306 and 207 which didn't all follow on from one another. The course content was very interesting and required some extra research which helped in furthering my understanding. I could relate to it easily within my job role which gave me evidence via assessor reviewed and observations.

As my employer was my provider I found it a bit odd that I was waiting a couple of months to actually start the qualification. That meant they needed to give me a contract extension that to be fair was done quickly and in a timely manner. They provided me with a mentor from the start however I quickly learned that they were not the best person for the job and I kind off took on another mentor who taught me brilliantly and helped with witness statements when required. They didn't really allocate me any specific time to do the course work as I could do it when we were not busy (as this was before the off the job part came in) but they were very accommodating with it and provided me with the needed witness statements when requested. I didn't have a lead person to go to so I kind off shared it around the office which was nice to get 360 degree feedback but wasn't a necessity for the course.

The provider did have a couple of workshops that was enjoyable to go to but in my opinion there wasn't enough of them to make any sort of progress or to really bond with the other apprentices from around the site. I was keen to mix with others and to help anyone who needed it but the opportunity's weren't there so I feel that if I needed anything extra It might have been hard to come by. My assessor on the other hand was amazing, keeping me focused and well supported thought the program. She provided me with learning materials and always made sure I knew where we were heading so I could finish in a timely manner.

The qualification helped me understand business and how the college operates. When I started the apprenticeship this was what applied the most for me, however when our department changed into a new customer focused role it did lose its gloss a little and was slightly harder to find relevant pieces for the course. The course work and tasks did help me develop in my job role and I feel played a big role in me securing aa permanent job within the college.

There is a few sporting activities available. The one I went to most was the 5 a side (or however many turned up) football on a Friday. I enjoy football and could mix with others whilst playing and enjoying myself. Unfortunately I have picked up a injury and haven't played in a while but there is other activities around. Since we have Deans sports and Leisure we could have most things onsite and have availability to go to them after work if we wanted. In terms of other events they were non existent (or if they were availably they didn't include our department) and that would be something I would recommend the college to do more.

Yes

Whilst they are not the best paying employers education is solid and the college actively engages well within the community so it would be steady. I also think the training provided on site is a huge advantage and would be best suited for someone who wanted to learn and develop. The college also has a lot of internal job opportunities and this allows for progression and furthering of a career. The management structure is a little top heavy but they are supporting and can be friendly to approach with a issue. However some of the management demand too much from you and presume our availability to work late and stay late to finish tasks that are not that urgent. Sometime the management also go against your job description and when questioned provide little to no answer as to why but overall I would recommend (more for permanent roles)

The college runs on a method of skills, qualifications and development and do everything points based. However a lot of the internal (and sometimes external) jobs can go to someone who isn't best experienced or qualified to do the job (as per job description) but can get the job over others so just go for it and you might be best placed to get the job you really want. However once you get in you can be working with amazing people and have opportunities to progress and learn from others whilst having opportunities to go further within education and or job role. I would also say to be direct in asking anything about them as they prefer direct approaches and like new people with new ideas to come forward and help with other tasks and you can gain friendship for life as well as a lot of knowledge and skills.