level 2 customer and business operations apprentices Review
at Cornwall Council
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Truro
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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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 is a rotational apprentice. This means that every 3 months I rotate to different teams learning what each team does and what their role is in Cornwall Council. The vaster Majority of the teams I work in revolve around the public sector meaning I am often in contact with members of the public via telephone and email. The other teams I work in are behind the scenes helping the "front line".
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I very much enjoy the apprenticeship programme, In my opinion being a rotational apprentice is a really good opportunity as it gives me a taste of what Cornwall Council does, it has expanded my knowledge entirely and it has also allowed me meet new people and make some of the best of friends who I get to surround myself with daily. Having a mentor has also been a massive help throughout my apprenticeship as they are always there for me if i have any issues or need any help. We have weekly team meetings to catch up and speak about anything that needs to be raised. At the start of my apprenticeship i had an unfortunate event in my personal life which had many negative effects on me, my mentor, my manager, and my fellow apprentices were very understanding and gave me unlimited support. This for me made me feel very comfortable in the work place and helped me to come around. I feel so grateful to be apart of this company knowing my work is helping people.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt and developed loads of skills. Before I started my apprenticeship I would of described myself as a nervous person who did not have the confidence to speak Infront of groups of people or to members of the public on the telephone. My very first role in Cornwall Council required me to fill out a number of different forms on the telephone with members of the public. It really helped me boost my confidence which made me feel more confident for what was to come. My favourite job in the Council is now calling people and making contact! I have also developed my IT skills by becoming more knowledgeable on how to use different Microsoft apps such as excel and PowerPoint whilst also being trained on several different systems within the teams.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The rotational apprenticeship was a brand new programme that had been bought in to Cornwall Council, to begin with it was a bit rocky getting everyone set up and prepared but as the days went on we was all settling in and starting a new experience. In my opinion the Council had organised and structured the programme well and I have not got a negative thing to say about it! The programme offers many opportunities to attend speaking days and other kind of tasks to help build our confidence.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer. My mentor checks in on me on a daily basis and we have a meeting once a week to have a catch up about work and what we have done in the week. I found having my mentor was really helpful when ever I have needed that support more from the wellbeing side rather then the work side. All of my managers that have managed me so far have been so lovely and worked at my pace and often check in on me. They assign me to a "buddy" who I can contact all throughout the day when ever I have any queries about the work set. My Fellow apprentices are always supportive and helpful. We communicate on a teams group chat with each other on a daily basis; checking in on each other, asking questions, answering questions and planning team days for us all to get together to have a day in the offices. Truro and Penwith College offer support with college work and with the Council. We have one to one review meetings where they come into New County Hall and discuss targets and developments that link our college assignments into our day to day work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider provides me with lots of support when working towards my qualifications. As I stated above we have review meetings which helps monitor progress and how we can meet new targets. On our study days they are always there to have a teams call or an email about any issues we may be having when completing assignments and projects.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
the qualification at college teaches us new ways and different perceptions about the work place. Every Friday that I am in college I walk away with new knowledge that I know I can use in the future at work. When my training advisor presents lectures she always links our job roles making it easy to understand how to use them.
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 different groups you can sign up to be apart of at Cornwall Council. I have signed up to a particular one which specifies in apprenticeships meaning that when we get to go to different locations to talk to people about them a group of us get to voice how we feel and our experiences. This group also gives you the opportunity to attend days where guest speakers come and talk to us about their apprenticeships/apprentices and the difference they have made and what the positives are of becoming an apprentice. I have also attended interview days where i have interviewed groups of candidates who are applying for different apprenticeships amongst Cornwall Council.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cornwall Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Cornwall Council to anyone who is looking for an apprenticeship or even a full time job. Cornwall Council are a friendly environment who want to look out for your best interest. There is loads of different teams and services to work in ensuring there is something for you. There is always support and gateway opportunities to reach for.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cornwall Council?
If you are passionate about the public sector and want to make a difference for your county and the residents that live in it make sure you voice that as Cornwall Councils aim is to help the County be a better place and for all residents to be satisfied with the services provided to them.
