DfE Subcontractors Programme Officer Review
at West Sussex County Council
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Government, Project Management
Chichester
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Project managing a network of commissioned training providers to deliver an adult learning programme across West Sussex.
I performance manage and quality assure them and act as an SME for the Department for Education funded programme to ensure that delivery is high quality and relevant.
I am currently leading on a piece of recommissioning work to procure new delivery partners within a new funding cycle.
I performance manage and quality assure them and act as an SME for the Department for Education funded programme to ensure that delivery is high quality and relevant.
I am currently leading on a piece of recommissioning work to procure new delivery partners within a new funding cycle.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am really enjoying my apprenticeship. My learning has helped shape the type of manager I would like to be
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes absolutely.
The apprenticeship has helped me develop my skills as a leader and helped me adapt behaviours and approaches that enhance this.
It has also helped me contextualise the wider elements and techniques around project management that I had not previously been involved in. This was extremely timely with the recommissioning work so I have been able to apply my learning in real time
The apprenticeship has helped me develop my skills as a leader and helped me adapt behaviours and approaches that enhance this.
It has also helped me contextualise the wider elements and techniques around project management that I had not previously been involved in. This was extremely timely with the recommissioning work so I have been able to apply my learning in real time
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme has been great - I have really enjoyed each module and recognising how they support one another, embedding and enhancing the learning.
There have been staffing changes at the apprenticeship provider which has proved slightly challenging, however, they have managed it in a positive way and I feel extremely supported by my current specialist coach
There have been staffing changes at the apprenticeship provider which has proved slightly challenging, however, they have managed it in a positive way and I feel extremely supported by my current specialist coach
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My line manager is extremely supportive.
She has supported me to ensure that I have sufficient time for my apprenticeship and she actively looks for opportunities that will support my learning and development.
I was supported by my service's Apprenticeship Consultant to ensure that the programme was right for me.
She has supported me to ensure that I have sufficient time for my apprenticeship and she actively looks for opportunities that will support my learning and development.
I was supported by my service's Apprenticeship Consultant to ensure that the programme was right for me.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
As per my comment above - the changes in staffing have been challenging, however, each coach that I have had and both of the trainers have been fantastic in ensuring I am working towards the goals and meeting the criteria to a high standard
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I am learning how to be a strong, effective leader and how to build on behaviours and approaches that will enhance that for myself and my team.
It has taught me to be more confident in my position and abilities so that I manage challenging situations constructively and with a strong leadership position
It has taught me to be more confident in my position and abilities so that I manage challenging situations constructively and with a strong leadership position
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
I took an active role in a recent 'Women in Leadership' networking event that included apprentices of all levels, strong female leaders from the Council and representatives from the apprenticeship trainers.
This was incredibly inspiring and the feedback following the event was excellent.
There is a peer network that has been set up which includes online meetings and a Teams chat to provide support and advice which has been really helpful.
I have formed some really strong, positive friendships through the apprenticeship and we will continue to support one another as we progress and complete our apprenticeships
This was incredibly inspiring and the feedback following the event was excellent.
There is a peer network that has been set up which includes online meetings and a Teams chat to provide support and advice which has been really helpful.
I have formed some really strong, positive friendships through the apprenticeship and we will continue to support one another as we progress and complete our apprenticeships
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend West Sussex County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have worked at West Sussex County Council for many years in various capacities.
I have always felt motivated and supported in any team I have been in.
I am encouraged to progress and develop and I value that feeling.
West Sussex County Council support flexible working and this has been vital when having my children and subsequently rebuilding my career.
I have always felt motivated and supported in any team I have been in.
I am encouraged to progress and develop and I value that feeling.
West Sussex County Council support flexible working and this has been vital when having my children and subsequently rebuilding my career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to West Sussex County Council?
You get out what you put in.
Dynamics have changed post covid and the opportunities to work flexibly are valuable and should be treated with respect.
You will be supported to develop and grow through a whole host of learning - whether that is smaller online modules on the Learning and Development Gateway or through bigger training events like an apprenticeship - utilise them to drive your career because the opportunities are endless
Dynamics have changed post covid and the opportunities to work flexibly are valuable and should be treated with respect.
You will be supported to develop and grow through a whole host of learning - whether that is smaller online modules on the Learning and Development Gateway or through bigger training events like an apprenticeship - utilise them to drive your career because the opportunities are endless
Organisational Development Consultant (Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor)
- Level 3 Apprenticeship
- Chichester
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5
