Client Engagement Administrator Apprentice Review

My role began as an entry to work scheme where as a care leaver was introduced to the opportunity to experience a new line of work suited to my care experience to provide me a real opportunity. I began by learning the basics where no assumptions were made on my knowledge and developed the skills most people have working in an office based role. When exceeding with my skills I began to truly build my knowledge and skills in my admin role handling paperwork, learning privacy and confidential training to process sensitive data and more. Once I completed my scholarship I started on a level 2 apprenticeship for customer service, to support me in receiving my qualifications and set me up to build my customer service skills as I transitioned into a client facing role. In this current role I support our clients and manage any communications which has supported my confidence incredibly as someone who couldn't even answer their own personal calls without anxiety. I manage paperwork, communications and set meetings when approaching new clients. I have increased my knowledge to a level i never thought i would reach given my background.

In the beginning before starting my programme I had meetings to ensure all the learning would be suited around me, my needs and made sure I understood what I was getting into. Every month is a new learning module for me, I have had months where I have exceeded planned time frames and was supported into higher development with my tutor upon expressing this, there have been times where I shared barriers and time was taken to make sure I am supported enough to overcome barriers and implement and further support or guidance to make sure I succeed. The structure best suited me as it follows my workplace development rather than a one size fits all criteria which has been incredibly helpful to apply into my apprenticeship. I wasn't a particularly organised person before starting this role, but with all the support I have become good at it and this reflects into my personal life, inspiring me to always be prepared and have a knack to know what it is I need or who to ask for help from.

This is more specific for me as a care leaver as I have much more 'baggage' than a lot of people. But this did not stop Ginger Nut. They provided me a safe environment, a third party mentor who is specialised in my background, specific training to managers and in house mentors around my background and needs to ensure I have the right support and they have the correct understanding. This made me feel safe and like I had a real family, people who care around me. They implemented additional support for days I struggled and always rewarded me when I had done things well. Everyday is a different day for me and sometimes unpredictable but no matter what they have supported me with real life advice, support with work tasks and understanding, specific learning needs in my apprenticeship and so many opportunities to develop my career even further on from my current role.

As my employer is the raining provider, all the previous and more.

Knowing a qualification is sitting at the end of all my hard work is a motivator. I lacked in the qualification department so every time I find things hard I know its development and worth pushing through for. It reminds me that my job title isn't just wat I do but who I am and what I am there for to best support people with the knowledge I have and a friendly, reliable face to support them through the entire journey, a journey I am on myself, providing me best insight for these clients.

Yes

They may be a smaller employer, but they put all their effort and time into ensuring their staff are not only though about but cared for, something in my life that I needed. Even with programmes we do for care leavers to do 2 days of work shadowing, anyone who enters our knowledge is provided with the upmost respect and treated as if they are one of us. I have never been supported, understood and encouraged to build and develop myself the way Ginger Nut has shown me to.