Senior Consultant Review

I have recently change roles during my apprenticeship. I was the Business Support Manager at Leicestershire County Council. I started prior to covid where my day to day role was managing the admin staff, deputising for the Head of Service and co-ordinating the health and safety for the department. Since covid I was responsible for adhoc projects and supporting difficult members of staff. I dealt with a variety of internal and external stakeholder at varying levels of varying complexities. I was responsible for developing processes as a result of covid and trouble shoot queries from members of the public. My new job is programme management and my day to day role is to support project managers to deliver the project to the agreed specification. I provide support and guidance to drive the projects forward.

I have learnt how to deal with difficult task and maintain my composure in adversity. I can develop practical process. I have also learnt how important it is to focus on the health and wellbeing of not only myself but the team. Leading from example and looking at how I communicate with a variety of people. My new role has taught my the complexities of the NHS ICS and how to bring your whole self to work

I have enjoyed the apprenticeship and have found the staff really supportive. I had to take a break due to personal reasons and the team were helpful in making sure that I could have a break and return at a [point that was suitable to continue. My skills coach has been easy to talk to about all aspects of the programme and work to ensure I get the best out of the apprenticeship. I feel that I am able to have open and honest conversations and she knows when I need pushing and when I need more support

The programme is structured in a really easy way that is clear from the offset. I find MAP and Blackboard have all the information required to get the most of the programme and it is set up in a way that supports all self managed individuals based on your preferred working styles. I did find some of the modules difficult to apply in a real life work setting because of working in the public sector. However, I have been provided with support on how to get the most from each module.

I found that at the beginning of the course I was well supportive in managing the demands of work and the apprenticeship. However, the impact of covid meant that it began unmanageable and I was not supported enough to obtain the 20% off the job training. However, my new employer so far have been really supportive and enabling me to focus on my apprinticeship.

I have found that I have enough support during this process and have found that staff accessible and easy to contact should I have any questions. I have found that my skills coach is able to provide the level of support I need, especially when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed. She arranges calls if I need and replys to emails promptly.

I don't feel that I have been able to apply in my learning in my old role as there wasn't scope within the department to do this. I do feel that I will be able to apply my learning in my new role and I am looking forward to the up and coming modules to be able to develop in my role

Due to not being based in Birmingham I haven't taken part in my activities. I was the student rep until I had my break and I have attended some of the online talks held during international women's days. As I will be based in Birmingham for my new role and the reduction of pressure at work I am hoping to attend more activities

Yes

I think Aston offers and really inclusive programme that is accessible and manageable. The level of support available and the content of the course would develop someone early in their career and someone more experienced. I don't think anyone is ever too old to learn and this course welcomes that. I also find that the staff do not treat me any differently for being a mature student and I don't feel patronised during webinars.

I would say be open and honest with your skills coach as that will be your key relationship during your studies. Allow yourself time to look through the documents and reach out to lectures. Aston is a really inclusive place and will support anyone looking to learn. The facilities are exceptional and modern and make the most of the on campus days