Personal Assistant to the Director Review
at Department for Education
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Darlington
Review Submitted: April 2025
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
I had a really positive experience with the DfE Apprenticeship. It was a great opportunity to get my foot in the door of the Civil Service and gain valuable insight into how the department operates.
The programme was well-organised, with clear structure and support throughout. One of the highlights was having a day each week blocked out to focus entirely on apprenticeship work — that really helped me stay on track and balance my responsibilities.
My line managers were incredibly supportive and encouraged both my learning and professional development. The apprenticeship also gave me a strong understanding of the organisation as a whole, including key areas like finance and operations, which has been really beneficial in my role.
Overall, I'd highly recommend this apprenticeship to anyone looking to build a career in the public sector.
The programme was well-organised, with clear structure and support throughout. One of the highlights was having a day each week blocked out to focus entirely on apprenticeship work — that really helped me stay on track and balance my responsibilities.
My line managers were incredibly supportive and encouraged both my learning and professional development. The apprenticeship also gave me a strong understanding of the organisation as a whole, including key areas like finance and operations, which has been really beneficial in my role.
Overall, I'd highly recommend this apprenticeship to anyone looking to build a career in the public sector.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I’ve really enjoyed the programme. There’s been lots to like — especially having a dedicated day each week to focus on the apprenticeship, which made it easier to balance learning with my day job. It’s also given me a solid understanding of the organisation and helped me feel well-equipped for future promotion opportunities.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The apprenticeship helped me develop a wide range of new skills, from data analysis and project management to communication and problem-solving. I also gained confidence using key digital tools and improved my ability to work effectively in a professional environment.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme was really well-organised and structured. Each module followed a clear format: a seminar to introduce the topic, followed by a task list and then an essay, all with clear criteria. Everything was designed to build skills and knowledge step by step, working towards the final end-point assessment.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I received a great level of support from my employer throughout the apprenticeship. My line manager was always approachable and encouraging, regularly checking in on my progress and helping me manage my workload. I also had access to mentors and colleagues who were happy to share their knowledge and offer guidance when needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The training provider was very supportive throughout the programme. They were always responsive via email and offered valuable guidance during seminars. I appreciated their encouraging approach — they were positive and motivating, but also gave clear, constructive feedback on where I could improve, which really helped me develop.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification has really helped me perform better in my role. It gave me practical knowledge and a clearer understanding of key areas like project delivery, finance, and organisational structure. I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned directly to my day-to-day work, which has made me more confident and effective in my role.
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, there are lots of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work. There are various staff networks you can join, as well as office-based social activities like bowling nights, group meals, and seasonal events. These have been a great way to meet colleagues, build connections, and feel part of the wider team.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Department for Education to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I’d highly recommend the DfE because it offers strong job security, a generous pension, and plenty of opportunities to grow your career across a wide range of roles. The organisation is supportive and inclusive, with a real focus on development. Whether you're interested in policy, operations, finance, or project work, there are lots of paths to explore. It’s a great place to build a long-term, rewarding career in the Civil Service.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Education?
My main advice for anyone applying to the Department for Education would be to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when completing your application. It helps to structure your responses clearly and demonstrate your skills effectively. Make sure to dedicate a lot of time to both the application and interview prep — it's important to give thoughtful, well-researched answers. I’d also recommend having friends or family review your application, as it can be difficult to get it right on your own. They can help you spot areas to improve or clarify.
