Senior Accommodation Manager Review
at Optivo
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Teaching
Eastbourne, East Sussex
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Management of Student Accommodation for the University of Brighton, this includes property management, delivery of the student experience and liaison with the University to ensure that our students have a safe and enjoyable stay at the Halls and experience the same as if they had lived in University managed accommodation.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I found it very challenging trying to undertake the study whilst still working from site during the covid 19 pandemic. At times this has added additional stress into my work situation, but I soldiered on and have now completed all of the assignments , just needing to complete the final parts of exam, presentation , skills matrix and Professional discussion.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
by completing the apprenticeship I have gained a greater understanding of the background to many tasks and have a broader understanding of the operational management responsibilities required by my role. I can use those skills in my day to day job and it has enhanced the delivery of my role.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Once it started, it has been well managed and easy to understand. I did have to chase Management to ensure that I was allowed time away from the office to complete the study, but once this was in place it worked well until the pandemic struck and I was then alone on site for a few months so study was not a priority. This was addressed after student intake in September 2020 and study was again allowed and this enabled me to complete the programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I feel that you have to take ownership of the study and request the time to complete the modules. It can be easy to allow distractions of work to take you away from this, but if you are determined to succeed, it can be very rewarding and gives a feeling of achievement as you progress through the study.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My tutor was there when I needed her, but i am quite a confident learner so most of the time I was happy to work through the units as set and would often request additional study if I could see i was getting on top of the programme. I found the first few Professional discussions awkward but soon got used to the format.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It provides a background and understanding of many of the tasks that I do day to day. It has given me a better understanding of myself , my role and how to manage staff. I am glad I have done it and will continue to reap the benefits, as will Optivo.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
We are quite a remote site, with a small team so the extra-curricular opportunities are not many. due to the pandemic all physical meeting and networking was stopped in early 2020, but contact via Zoom and Teams has continued and become the norm. I am sure future opportunities will grow as lockdown eases.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Optivo to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Optivo has an ethos of supporting staff and residents, in study and development. Staff are encouraged to take part in personal development and take part in social impact activities to support our residents in both social housing and Student and key worker sites. They offer supportive management, but also want you to take ownership and feel empowered to progress your own career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Optivo?
If you are applying for a job at Optivo, I would suggest you research the field you are applying to so that you can demonstrate knowledge of that field for the competency based interview. Show a passion for the job and what you can bring to the organisation and the area that you are applying to.
