Data Manager Review

Item: Data Manager at Department for Work and Pensions
Rating: 4.1
Author: Anonymous

at Department for Work and Pensions

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Accounting

Newcastle upon Tyne

Review Submitted: May 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!

3.5/5 - Overview of Role

4/5 - Skills Development

4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

3/5

I work as a data manager which involves creating daily, weekly and monthly reports. I download raw data from a provider and then use this to create the reports. I also respond to ad hoc Freedom of Information Requests and Prime Minister's Questions, providing bespoke reports with data as needed.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

I enjoy working alongside others who are following the same programme as me, there are several in my organisation that I am in regular contact with. I enjoy the variation in my work and the new learning that I can then apply to my day to day job on a regular basis.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

4/5

I have developed the knowledge to use new systems where the bulk of the data is stored, and how to manipulate data according to user need. I have learnt how to build a raw data file, including visual representations in the forms of graphs and tables, and how to write the narrative to go alongside it

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

I feel that the programme is well laid out with exams every 2 months approximately. I can learn at my own pace using the online and textbook materials and access support from a tutor when necessary. The online programme is set out in a logical manner and is easy to follow along with.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

4/5

I am supported as I receive the full 20% of my OTJ training. I have asked for support with regards to specific modules and have been given contacts to follow up who have been helpful. I have a mentor within the office and a support team who are available for administrative queries.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

I receive a lot of support from my skills coach in the form of regular reviews to chart my progression and to ensure my wellbeing is looked after. I am able to access 1:1 support from tutors if I am struggling to understand a part of the syllabus when studying alone.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

4/5

I feel that I have a better insight and deeper understanding of my role following the study I have done since I started my qualification. I am able to bring my learning into my day to day role and apply it. The qualification also gives me confidence to be able to bring up suggestions from my study.

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

There are social activities and sports teams that are available to join, following Covid these are restarting at my location. We are part of a cross governmental network of apprentices an have regular calls which include guest speakers on Teams. There are lots of online groups to join, everything from biking to baking!

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Department for Work and Pensions to a friend?

Yes

Why?

The career progression opportunities available make it easy to move around in the organisation. I am currently on secondment, on promotion to a different area of the business for six months where I am learning new skills. The culture is friendly and inclusive, and working with people across the country is great too.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Work and Pensions?

Make sure you target your application to the exact role and read the requirements, it's not just a case of sending off a CV. The interviews are structured and designed to bring out your skills based on any experience, be it in another job or as a volunteer even.

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