Estates Project Officer Review
at NHS
Degree Apprenticeship
Construction
Southampton
Review Submitted: March 2023
Overall Rating
3.8 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
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
My role involves managing various relocations and refurbishments so that we can better the quality of our estate to ultimately improve patient care. This means that my day to day job involves visiting site to inspect works, coordinating activities, contractors, staff and people so the work is complete and managing the projects budget and schedule so that it completed effectively.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
My job can be really difficult as it is fast passed and often involves many problems that requires me to be quick at decision making and problem solving, however, I have really enjoyed it so far, I have learned lots of new skills and have tons of knowledge that really help me understand what it takes to project manage successfully.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learned to be organised because my job means managing and coordinating many different people so that the project is successful. It has also enabled me to improve my creativity as I am often involved with designing spaces for projects and coordinating the activities to deliver it. I am also really good at persuasions and negotiations now as my job can sometimes mean that I am implementing something different and this often causes resistance, so having the skills to negotiation and persuade are vital.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
My organisation has a specialist apprenticeship team so all programmes are organised and continually managed to ensure that apprentices get the best out of the programme. The University on the other hand are very new to apprenticeships in project management and although the degree is very well structured, the apprenticeship aspect could be improved.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from the apprenticeship team and my wider team. There are lots of people willing to help and support. If I have any problems then these are quickly resolved once escalated to my manager as he is quick to respond, as well as the apprenticeship manager.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
There is a study support department who checks your work and gives you feedback which is great when you are stuck or want to know if you are on track. The majority of this programme was online because of the Covid-19 pandemic and this was very difficult because lecturers were hard to get hold of via email and we did not have the face to face option.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I am a lot better in my role. I now have a bigger understanding of project management and have knowledge and skills that exceed my job role which is great because it puts me in a good position in the future as I could apply for other roles. I find that I am able to better manage projects now because of this qualification.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
1/5
There are very limited extra-curricular activities to get involved in at my work. There is such a high demand at work that we very rarely get the opportunity to leave our day jobs to attend other events. Also, because I am studying a degree and working full time, I rarely have time outside of work to attend any events as I use my weekends and evenings to study and complete assignments.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes the NHS is a great place to work. The people are lovely, there are so many opportunities for progression, the annual leave allowance is great and you have job security unlike other places. I have worked for several teams since being here and everyone is so supportive and friendly and you are more than just an employee number.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NHS?
If you do not get in after applying the first time then keep applying. I applied for 3 different jobs before I finally got a job offer and I am glad that I never gave up because I could not see myself working with any other company. Gat an apprenticeship with the NHS, it is totally worth it.
