Graduate Review

Graduate Scheme included 3 rotations which were each 8 months long - the roles were dependent on the skills you want to develop such as leadership, team management or project management. Alongside this I completed my level 7 qualification which meant I had 20% of my work time to complete apprenticeship studies such as revision or completing assignments.

Yes - Through both my role and my level 7 qualification I have been able to learn both the theories around business management and leadership and then apply them within the workplace. The main skills that I have developed include leadership, team management, financial accounting, project management, and ethics. As the assignments within my qualification were often specific to my organisation it helped me to learn more about the workplace.

I really enjoyed my programme as it has let try a lot of different roles and gain a wide mix of experiences. Its been great to be a part of a community of people working towards a qualification, and the qualification has gave me a strong sense of achievement within my career.

The programme was very well structured to complete half of the assignments across the first year of the role. However, when balancing the dissertation with working full time in provided difficult and meant needing to work with my employer on having a strong support network balancing both tasks at once.

My employer provided a good level of structure and support with each of my line managers being aware of my qualification and the competencies i had to evidence as a part of this. They also provided support with the upcoming deadlines of my assignments and had a strong awareness that this was part of my graduate scheme.

My training provider was fantastic with supporting me in what i needed to complete during each stage of my qualification and apprenticeship. She was a great sounding board when chatting over work and provided a strong support network when struggling with balancing the work with my full time job as well.

My qualification has supported me in understanding the knowledge and skills needed to thrive as a senior leader in the workplace. It has also meant that I have gained a chartered status and given me the confidence in knowing when i work hard at something it can pay off. I am able to apply the skills learnt in my qualification to the workplace.

The company offers employees to get involved with inclusion and diversity groups and networks such as rainbow (LBGTQ+ network), Breakthrough womens network, family matters, Access (disability network), and REACH (ethnicity network). there are also a lot of social activities to get involved with in office or when working virtually too.

Yes

The organisation has a strong sense of community and is made up of a lot of different teams and roles which means that a career change doesnt have to mean moving organisation. The organisations culture and support recieved as an apprentice and graduate is amazing and helps you find your feet within your career.

Be yourself! Understand why you want to apply to the organisation along with what the organisation is doing which you are passionate about. Learn about the organisations values and understand why they resonate with you. Find a role or course that suits you and show what you can bring to the team.