Digital Marketing Communications Assistant Apprentice Review
at NHS
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Marketing, Information Technology, Graphic Design
Southampton
Review Submitted: February 2023
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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
My job role includes liaising with our communications team daily to ensure appropriate content is being published on all internal and external channels, Designing/creating content and marketing materials, Working closely with stakeholders to ensure satisfaction on all levels. Shortly after joining Solent NHS Trust, i began working on a project for our Apprenticeship Award Ceremony which involved self disciplined time management to ensure all tasks were completed in a timely manner, also to a high standard and impeccable quality. As always, i received an amazing amount of support from my immediate team, and also our Trust as a whole. This is because
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have only just started my formal apprenticeship, but i have been in the job role since Novemeber. Everyone has been so incredibly supportive, which has been amazing. As well as this, everyone has been so supportive of the apprenticeship process (Making sure there are ample opportunities for me to use in my portfolio, making sure i take and log 20% off the job).
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have only been at the Trust for 4 months, however what i have learned in those 4 months is incredible. I have had a complete change of career; from an Admin based career, now moving in circles with communications, executives, all manner of staff and external suppliers. I have learned about tone of voice when publishing comms on behalf of the organisation (making sure the language used is consistant and doesnt change depending on who is writing the comms), House styles (quirks of the language we use, for example, not using suffixes on dates), I've also learned how to use Canva which is a quick and easy tool to create effective visuals for marketing and comms. Having a previous background in Graphics, it was an adjustment for me to not spend so much time on this area, but Canva makes it so easy that its not a problem at all.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I have only had one session with JGA doing the formal apprenticeship, but that was incredibly informative. I learned so much about marketing that i would never have even considered before. I am aware and understand thoroughly the structure of my Learning Journey, thus knowing what to expect in the next 18 months.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support i have received from Solent NHS Trust has been absolutely incredible. There have been times where i have found navigating my way around a new organisation and learning at the same time very difficult, but my team, colleagues and line managers have always ensured my concerns are aired and tackled. This has always been done in a professional and supportive manor. My wellbeing is of their upmost priority, and i will always be so thankful to them for this.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Again, i have only had one session with my training provider so far, however my experience with them has been very positive. When i attended the first session, both presenters were very knowledgeable and passionate about the learning journey that they will be delivering for us. A big part is wellbeing and neurodiversity, making sure everyone feels comfortable, and is working the way that suites them.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Very well! Learning new information and skills and then being able to go back to the workplace and apply it is incredible. Seeing engagement from a post rise because of a new method i have trialed (based off of what i have learned from the training provider) really solidifies the learning and skills learned.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, i have attended a careers event at a local school and a recruitment event at a local supermarket. Both of these events i have already attended in the 4 months of starting at Solent NHS Trust. I have found both events to have helped gain knowledge around the trust and seeing the impact of speaking with the community about apprenticeships and opportunities. The networking has been a real benefit too, both external and internal stakeholders.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Solent NHS Trust really does have its staff are the forefront of everything. I have never felt so supported in a job or educational setting and i am and will always be truly grateful to Solent NHS Trust for this. Having our own apprenticeship team means there is a whole team dedicated to making sure individuals are supported throughout their apprenticeship journey which i think is incredible and of huge benefit to learners and the organisation as a whole.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
Enjoy your time learning and practising, seek as many opportunities as possible, Network with as many induviduals as possible (internal and external), Don't be afraid to make suggestions to improve processes etc, you are the future! Always reach out if you feel you are struggling, chances are someone has been in this exact situation and has advice for you to learn from, or they are trained to guide you through this. Everyone is so kind and will not hesitate to help you. Go for it!!
