Business Administrator Apprentice Review

My role is based within the HR team for the Solent NHS Trust, I'm learning the new ESR (Electronic Staff Record) System. I have the responsibility to update all the relevant information about staff in post at the moment on a daily basis. This information will include asset tag numbers for equipment, vehicle registration information, staff email addresses, AD logins for the NHS system.

I've have been given a large number of opportunities to develop my skills and learn new ones from attending meetings during the week and being given extra support from my new team. I have definitely felt more confident using Excel, my manager has shown me so many new functions, formulas and 'short cuts' to getting the work done quicker in a more effective amount of time.

I've already been apart of two other business administration apprenticeships, however they were terminates due to COVID reasons. This programme, I've only been apart of for nearly 2 months but I have felt much more supported within this current apprenticeship with the NHS. The work is more advanced and much more challenging which I know I enjoy more.

My overall programme is very organised, I've been given one day a week to complete my college work as well as having support from my apprenticeship coach, my manager and team at work. The use of OneFile to attach any evidence of my assignments, and to keep track of my off the job hours. This has been a much more effective way of keeping track rather than some other apprenticeship who just gave me a booklet.

I receive a large amount of support from my employer. We have got into a routine of planning weekly, if not daily meetings/catch up remotely to ensure I am understanding the work and that I don't feel overwhelmed with the amount of work or the pressure of it all.

Chichester college have been extremely supportive right from day one, they have given all apprentices simple and straight forward instructions to what is expected from everyone during our education. We've been given numerous resources and coaches to contact if needed. Our training provider also has contacted with our employers to contact if needed at any time.

I feel at the moment it's still early days and where we are only just getting started working for a new employer and in a new type of education environment. I can't say the qualification has advanced my knowledge or ability to how I perform in my role within the workplace.

I've only heard of cycle to work scheme at the moment, that begins in May. However, other than that I haven't heard of any other extra activities just yet since we all have the more important work to get done before we think about getting back into the workplace again.

Yes

The NHS are overall a very supportive organisation and they definitely take their jobs very seriously. The values are all about putting patients and their staff first which represents their dedication to work. The NHS has great opportunities for their employees and staff to undertake if wanted, these opportunities can really help advance knowledge and skills in order to work on growing within the organisation.

I would advise if you apply for the NHS, don't give up if you don't get the job you want straight away. I was turned down numerous times and finally got this job role, and it has been one of the best opportunities I've ever been given.