Commercial Support Officer Review
at Department for Education
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Project Management
Sheffield
Review Submitted: March 2024
Overall Rating
2.9 /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!
2.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.6/5
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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:
4/5
My role consists of providing commercial support to an array of teams within the Department for Education. My role is focussed on providing support to capital based projects, including building new schools and rebuilding existing schools.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
1/5
Unfortunately, my experience hasn't been the best - I have had a tutor shout at me numerous times which caused me to feel anxiety. I then had to change tutor groups because of this. As well as this, resources (such as books) were sent to me months after starting.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Since starting the apprenticeship, I have learnt the importance of schedule management, which was instantly transferable to my day-job. As well as this, understanding the different stakeholders within my business was critical to my success within my role and my apprenticeship taught me this.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
Quite poor, the time-tabling seems to lack any sort of sense - the days it is on appear to be random without any structure making it quite hard to schedule study-days. As well as this the resources, such as books, were sent late.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive total support from my employer, they allow me to take any day I require as an apprenticeship day. They also fully support my learning and development by putting me into situations which I am required to be in to pass my apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
Quite poor, the sessions I had originally were poorly structured and weren't interactive. The books I received were delivered months late, meaning I have less time to revise for exams. The sessions often make the subject area more complicated to understand and don't add much value. I believe I could better pass the exam without attending the sessions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
The revision book itself is amazing and has taught me many valuable skills, however unfortunately from the course itself - the teaching I have received so far has been confusing and poor. However, from the book itself - I have self-taught myself many valuable skills.
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
Yes, I am part of many networks as part of my employment, such as the apprenticeship network and the young people network. This has allowed me to meet many people in a similar place in their career as me. I have attended numerous work-social events which allow me to boost my network both within work and outside of work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Department for Education to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is the most inclusive work-environment I have ever worked at. You are working at the core of government priorities and often are working on high priority work which receives a lot of attention. It makes your day-job more interesting as you can see the value you are adding. As well as this, they support your personal development so much!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Education?
When applying for the Department for Education, it is important that you go into it with an open mind. You might not always start with your dream role - however, once you are in the department there is area to grow into a role which is better suited. However, the roles that you may consider your dream are likely to be highly competitive and it is likely that they will recruit from existing teams for this role. I would advise to get your foot in the door, then move roles once you are part of the department.
