PQCM Support Officer Review
at Department for Education
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Government
London
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
3.9 /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
-
Overview of Role
3/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
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 work in the DfE's SEND Directorate, as part of the Business of State outfit. My role involves responding to correspondence from key-stakeholders, the general public, Members of Parliament, working on diary advice for minsters, responding to Freedom of Information requests, and coordinating Written Parliamentary Questions. I also help complete/coordinate briefings for Ministerial activity, and work on streamlining the Business of State team's day-to-day operations
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The programme, the Level 3 Business Admin apprenticeship, was both at time very interesting but so too taxing. It was a welcome distraction from my day-to-day work, but also one that took away from my ability to work on my day-to-day work, which has very high volumes, tight schedules and multiple reliant colleagues. I would also have to say that, some of the areas of the apprenticeship were - for lack of better words - somewhat boring to me (e.g. thing i already knew or things that weren't of interest to me). That being said, I highly valued learning form my tutors, welcomed the challenge that came with completing monthly coursework, and was certainly prompted to engage more with my organisation because of the apprenticeship itself.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I think I had most of the skills already though I would say these have been developed through the course of the apprenticeship.
I certainly gained area-specific knowledge - though I cant say I have found it very useful in my day-to-day role as of yet.
I think the main thing I have learnt to do is to juggle my apprenticeship alongside my day to day role.
I certainly gained area-specific knowledge - though I cant say I have found it very useful in my day-to-day role as of yet.
I think the main thing I have learnt to do is to juggle my apprenticeship alongside my day to day role.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Well structured. I received support and clear steps on what was next for me.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer was very accommodating; allowing me to focus on apprenticeship where necessary and making sure I had the resources to do so at all times.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I think I received plenty of support, always on hand to answer my question and providing me with resources I felt I needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
As previously mentioned, i think it has developed some existing skills somewhat
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
Plenty of groups (too many to mention) across DfE. I have my extra-curricular activities outside of work so don't feel a need to involve myself with work ones, but i know they are there!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Department for Education to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have felt very well supported and love my team. Its a very interesting place to work - at the centre of very meaningful policy. There's plenty of room for growth and movement into varied areas so one should never get bored.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Education?
I would recommend staying up to date on some education policy (be it SEND reforms or Breakfast clubs etc) and maybe developing written communication skills. I have found that written communication is imporant given the reliance on email, written policy, written briefings etc - being able to disseminate at times complex issues over a written format in a concise manner is a huge asset.
