Commercial Coordinator Review
at NHS
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Healthcare, Business Operations
Southampton
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
- Reviewing and circulating commercial opportunities e.g. tenders
- Being point of contact for the team and responding to queries from stakeholders
- Supporting Category Managers with contracts and procurements
- Updating policies and procedures
- Provide administrative support function
- Running reports
- Producing and coordinating papers for committee meetings
- Booking meetings and training sessions
- Taking minutes for meetings
The daily tasks are very varied and include lots of opportunities to shadow and learn new skills.
- Being point of contact for the team and responding to queries from stakeholders
- Supporting Category Managers with contracts and procurements
- Updating policies and procedures
- Provide administrative support function
- Running reports
- Producing and coordinating papers for committee meetings
- Booking meetings and training sessions
- Taking minutes for meetings
The daily tasks are very varied and include lots of opportunities to shadow and learn new skills.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The people I work with are really great and are all keen to help with my development and learning. The work is interesting and the tasks are pretty varied. I didn't know what to expect before I started, but I am really happy with my role and my apprenticeship and am keen to continue apprenticeships after this.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt lots of new skills such as IT skills e.g. excel and specialist systems. I have learnt a lot about communication in a business environment and how to build working relationships. I have completed lots of online training courses including contract management, diversity and inclusion, and personal development. I have also taken part in conferences and workshops.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The training providers are really knowledgeable and helpful throughout. The cohort sizes are fairly big which means you can meet lots of different people and network that way. The structure of the course has been good with a nice mix of tasks and workshops. The topics link really well to tasks I complete in my job.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer. My manager is very supportive and we regularly meet to discuss my progress. My colleagues are really supportive too and encourage me lots. The apprenticeship team are great too and will catch up with me regularly to check I am happy and feel supported. Any problems are dealt with quickly too.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have regular catch ups with my assessor from the college. We walk through my progress and it is a great opportunity to ask any questions or to get help with any topics I am struggling with. My assessor is always willing to help and provide whatever support I need. The college also provide surveys for pastoral support where any issues can be picked up and sorted. I feel really supported and everything is explained really well.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I have learnt all about administration and working professionally in a business environment. This has helped me to secure a permanent job and progress through the team. The section about project management is particularly useful. We have been able to complete our own projects to make a change in our team and this has given me much more confidence to suggest changes going forward and to lead on tasks and small projects.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are lots of groups such as BAME, LGBTQ+ and allies, newly registered nurses and midwifes etc. There are also apprenticeship forums which are a good opportunity to meet apprentices on different courses and discuss what it's like to be an apprentice. There are lots of other opportunities such as the Virgin Pulse steps challenge or charity walks.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There are so many opportunities in many different departments. Being in a large organisation can really help people to develop and feel part of a community. There's a nice feel in Solent and it is a place I would recommend people work for. There are many apprenticeships on offer too to get qualifications while earning.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
Research the Trust. Know the values and think about how you identify with them and how you 'live' the values everyday. Ask friends and family to read your application and help with interview preparations. Be yourself and be honest - promote your talents and be proud of past achievements but also think about your future.
