Growth Hub Manager Review
at Staffordshire County Council
Level 4/5 Apprenticeship
Business Management, Business Operations, Management Consulting, Procurement, Project Management, Sales
Stafford
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.4 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
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:
5/5
Managing the day to day support of all businesses in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire. We are the trusted first port of call for all types of free business support, no matter what the age, location or sector. We have a team that includes a Manager (me) helpline advisor, business advisors, financial monitoring officer and admin.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The apprenticeship is challenging me on a daily basis. I am also finding that I am stepping up within my role and feeling empowered to make decisions I would never have done previously. I am also managing the staff differently using processes and tools gained on the course.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I learnt how to communicate better and understand the needs of all my stakeholders. I have also altered the way in which I manage the team and their learning and feel I am leading the Growth Hub at a more strategic level and trusting the staff to get on with the operational day to day work.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
We meet in person 1 day per month and then homework is set. The Onefile online portal is very useful in looking at the course notes and contacting the tutor and admin staff. We know what topics are being taught on each particular day in advance.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
We are allowed 1 study day per week. I 'try' to take this wherever possible, but work does take priority so that isn't always achieved. My immediate line manager is fantastic and regularly checks up on my well being and how I a progressing in the apprenticeship. She also helps with some of the understanding of the modules as done this previously.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I have a dedicated Mentor as part of my programme, who regularly has keep in touch days with me. She is also on hand to meet outside of these times and emails to check on my progress and if I need any help.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It has given me a lot more kudos in the team. It has also helped empower me to make more concrete decisions and back up my thinking with facts.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
1/5
N/A - there is no extra activities. Although my wider apprenticeship colleagues are lovely and supportive and we have a Whatsapp group, we are all spread out across the country to difficult to get together apart from our 1 day per month in person.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Staffordshire County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Great place to work, very supportive, lovely offices in the middle of town. There is the option to occasionally work from home, which gives a great work life balance. I have a wonderful team and no one day is the same in my role. The variety keeps my mind pin sharp!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Staffordshire County Council?
Read the job description and job specification thoroughly and make sure you reach the minimum criteria
