Executive Assistant Review

I work as an Executive Assistant in the NHS, however the apprenticeship I am undertaking is Professional Coaching Level 5 which will lead me to support staff across the Trust via their coaching journeys as part of the ESNEFT Coaching Network. It is undertaken entirely as an off-the-job apprenticeship as it is not directly related to my substantive role.

The apprenticeship programme has been well structured and organised. Support is readily available if required and the rapport and peer support throughout the programme has been of great benefit. I receive regular check-ins from the ESNEFT Apprenticeship Team and feel confident that if there were any problems they would be addressed. I have required reasonable adjustments due to neurodiversity and these were simple to request and were put in place without question. I feel fully supported which has enabled me to fully engage with the programme.

My employer, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), has been extremely supportive. From the start of my apprenticeship programme I have been given a protected day each week in which to undertake my learning and my peers have provided day-to-day support to my Executive in my absence. My Executive (a Level 7 coach herself) has acted as my apprenticeship mentor and has encouraged me throughout.

The support provided by the ESNEFT Apprenticeship Team has been great from the initial sign-up to the programme through to today, they regularly send check-in emails and I am confident that should I require further support it would be freely offered. The support provided by my Tutor has been exemplary both during teaching sessions and between which has enabled me to progress and remain on track. My Tutor has readily put reasonable adjustments into place for me in relation to my neurodiversity, which has been essential to my success.

I have definitely developed as a person, and now automatically find myself using a coaching approach in day-to-day situations which has enhanced my interactions and enabled me to encourage and challenge the thinking of my peers in a supportive manner. As part of my apprenticeship I have also coached a number of colleagues and have seen them develop and achieve their goals which has been extremely satisfying. I look forward to continuing my coaching journey within the Trust and beyond.

Yes

The opportunity to study for an apprenticeship whilst working in a busy full-time role with a fantastic apprenticeship support network behind it via the Faculty of Education has been invaluable. Working for ESNEFT is enjoyable and rewarding and I would recommend them as an employer that actively develops their staff and provides an excellent wellbeing support service.
I am a mature student of 57 years of age and therefore I would encourage colleagues of all ages to consider undertaking an apprenticeship with ESNEFT, they are for all, not just for school leavers and provide an excellent way to develop and stretch oneself.