Estates Project Apprentice Review

My role is supporting the various services within the NHS by building and refurbishing our Estate to provide the best possible care for our staff and patients. To do this I manage a range of projects, from refurbishments on hospital wards to relocating services around our Estate to fulfil the needs of our patients and staff.

When I started this role I had no experience in this field, however I have since gained many valuable skills to help me successfully manage projects on time, in budget, to the specified quality. This has also increase my confidence both within and outside of the workplace which is great.

I feel really lucky to have been given the opportunity to carry out this program. My team is great and very supportive and Solent NHS Trust are a great place to work. It has exceeded my expectations of an apprenticeship and I also receive a generous salary which is great.

Overall the structure of the program is good. There is lots of support with regards to study time and support meetings. I have also been allocated a mentor which is really helpful because it gives me someone to talk to about my apprenticeship, as well as a guide when needed.

My manager is really supportive. He allows me to have my 20% off the job and I have had additional study days around exam etc to help out. He is happy to help when I encounter a problem and has a positive attitude towards supporting me and apprenticeships in general.

The University provide a study support team who are extremely helpful, especially at the beginning when the whole program was new to me. I have a tutor, although this person has changed many times throughout my apprenticeship and because of this which has been difficult for me as it is hard to build a relationship and I feel as if I am forever introducing myself, rather then gaining the support I need.

My qualification has taught me everything about project management which is really helpful because I can relate what I have learned into practise. This has improved my quality of work and has also allowed me to achieve better results at work, as well as gaining a promotion. I feel like I know a lot more about my role from carrying out this qualification.

Unfortunately I have not taken part in any extra curricular activities because all assignments need to be completed outside of work time, therefore the majority of my weekends and evenings are dedicated to study, and I work full time. Once I have more time available I will consider looking into this.

Yes

Solent NHS trust are a great place to work. I started my apprenticeship in 2020, however I have actually worked for the organisation for 5 years now and I have had the best experience since being here. I have recommended Solent NHS Trust many times before and I will continue to do so.

Although the application process can be time consuming, it is well worth it. It is important to take a look at the HEART values and what they mean to you because this is something they are keen to know. There are so many opportunities for you to progress, with the various apprenticeships, secondments and promotions. You would not regret applying.