Executive Assistant to Pro Vice Chancellor, Director and Deputy Director Review
at Newcastle University
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
3 /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!
3/5
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Overview of Role
3/5
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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:
3/5
Executive Assistant assisting with diary management and inbox management. Lead on Recruitment and Absence reporting system for the Faculty Office. Liaising with key stakeholders within the University and externally. Maintaining administration processes to provide a smooth running Faculty office. Streamlining processes for financial efficiency.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I have struggled to stay motivated, as there has been too much learning by PowerPoint and very limited option for interaction. I don't remember anything, as we have done very little in terms of activity sessions in line with learning. This has been fed back to the provider.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have learnt to be open-minded in viewing current processes to make them more lean in line with learning received. I will be undertaking a Lean Project and hope to gain valuable experience from this.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme is well structured.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
The support I receive has enabled me to continue with the NVQ, particularly from the Apprenticeship Manager, who has listened to the cohort's concerns and actioned these with the provider.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Support has been received, but concerned this is too late, as we are now 7 months into the apprenticeship and I feel that we have a lot to catch up on.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I feel it is a good qualification to have and will aid better performance in my role to undertake additional lean projects.
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
We have a Yammer site and there are numerous opportunities to get involved if you would like to.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Newcastle University to a friend?
No
Why?
The Higher Education sector is going through a period of uncertainty and I couldn't guarantee they would have a security in their role for a long period of time.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Newcastle University?
Choose your area of working very wisely and do a lot of research. Talk to colleagues who work in that department before you make the decision to apply.
