Contracts & Service Development Officer Review
at Suffolk County Council
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Project Management
Ipswich
Review Submitted: April 2025
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!
2/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
I contract manage supported accommodation services for people with Learning disabilities and mental health needs. The other half of my role includes developing services via project management and implementing new processes.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
1/5
My programme has been a mix as I have enjoyed the lectures and exam prep sessions however my tutor has not been very helpful, this has led to unhelpful feedback on assignments as well as last minute cramming for preparation for the end point assessment exam.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes I have learnt how to manage a project from start to finish and how to embed governance to a project.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure of the programme is very good with consistent lectures and mechanisms in place whereby if one is missed because of sickness or annual leave, it is made easy to catch up.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Lots - I was given the time for my 20% of the week to study as well as opportunities for training and development outside of this. This contributed to my study hours.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Mixed - the study tutor was not helpful throughout the process however the professor hosting the lecture and exam prep sessions were extremely helpful. The EPA team at the end were also helpful as I had to go to them when my tutor would not respond.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Much better. I am now more confident on being involved in projects as well as leading on 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.)
5/5
Professional networking events yes.
There is a YAN (Young Adults Network) which hosts social activities outside of work as well
There is an Apprenticeship Network too which has been helpful when seeking advice. HR Rising High (Apprenticeship liaison team) are part of this too.
There is a YAN (Young Adults Network) which hosts social activities outside of work as well
There is an Apprenticeship Network too which has been helpful when seeking advice. HR Rising High (Apprenticeship liaison team) are part of this too.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Suffolk County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a great place to work with lots of opportunities to grow and develop. I joined as an apprentice and have since had lots of different roles, each giving me lots of knowledge which I have used to get now 2 promotions.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Suffolk County Council?
Go for it. It may seem scary as the council is a huge organisation but there really is something for everyone.
