Senior Administrator Review

When I joined NHFT, I started off as a Business Administrator Apprentice and this role involved managing the Exec Directors calendar which meant accepting meeting invites, rescheduling meetings, booking meetings a per request of the Exec Director or someone else. I also ensured the team was compliant with their mandatory training and supervision. I sent regular updates to the team, organised team events, and organised agendas for several meetings. I linked in with people in NHFT but also external to NHFT like LPT. Assisting with the live bids and tenders was also a task I helped with by uploading qualification questions on MS Teams and proof reading all final documents.

Before I started my apprenticeship, I had very basic knowledge of how to use MS Teams, but in my role, I have a wider understanding of the many uses MS Teams provides and this has lead to me supporting other staff with using teams and coaching new starters on how to use it. I have learnt new skills around communicating with a wide range of people professionally as this was something I had never done before but I now email my team of 26 people very regularly to keep everyone updated. I've improved my time management skills when I'm juggling many tasks at once as assessing which tasks are a higher priority.

I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship as I have gained so much knowledge through my job role and my apprenticeship work. At times I have struggled with my workload and working remotely but my manager has been really supportive with helping me find a balance between my apprenticeship work and my work for my role. The team have been really welcoming and have always allowed me to ask questions if I have trouble with anything. I have managed any stress I have had along the way but overall, I have enjoyed my apprenticeship experience.

NHFT have been really organised with delegating me with work as it's always explained to me clearly when I'm given it. My induction was very informative and I'm given training whenever it is required for a new task. When I first joined, LSP wasn't very organised as it took a month for them to be in contact with me and start the process of my apprenticeship assignments, but ever since, they have been better organised with ensuring I'm getting everything I need.

I have had so much support from my manager along the way, she has always made sure I have enough study time to complete my apprenticeship assignments and balance my work load effectively. The Exec Director has also been interested in my apprenticeship work and supports me with any tasks that he assigns me if I'm not clear about something.

My tutor has been really supportive along my journey and I have had opportunities to ask questions, gain clarity on anything I am unsure of and has always had a positive attitude and giving me great feedback. Although I wish we were able to meet more often and have our workshops in person, my tutor always is there to help over email if I really need help.

Everything I have learnt through my apprenticeship work has given me a better understanding of my job role as I am able to link what I've learnt into my role. My communication module has helped me to communicate better with the people in my team and avoid communication barriers.

NHFT have lots of events to celebrate important issues like Mental Health Day and although these used to take place in person, they are currently online and often I attend these sessions to make myself more aware of the current issues, ways I can help and to further my learning. My team also has quarterly away days that I organise and participate in and this is a day where we don't talk about work related things or go on our laptop. We take time to bond as a team, get to know each other, and do something fun to release any stress.

Yes

NHFT is a really supportive organisation for apprentices and they will help build you up, teach you a wide range of skills and knowledge and support you every step of the way. they are also really passionate about building apprentices up and they often offer apprentices permanent positions within the Trust after your apprenticeship or sometimes whilst you're still doing your apprenticeship. All staff I have met have been supportive and helpful and see apprentices as a opportunity to teach.

In your interview, really sell yourself and say everything you have achieved and are proud of. It's also important to talk about the role you are applying for and why you want that role. Even if you haven't had any previous work experience, NHFT will still give you chance, as long as your will to learn and have determination.