Name: Olivia Ogden
Company: Rochdale Council
Job Title: Business Support Assistant, Governance and Business Support. Adult Care
Apprenticeship: Business Admin
What is your job role?
My job role is very varied. On a day to day basis I answer the main number for adult care (engaging with service users, external agencies), action emails (again whether from service users, external agencies or internal colleagues- these emails can be general queries, safeguarding), Ambulance reports and hospital discharge. Every day is different in my role as my work load is based on a rota and each week entails different tasks.
Why did you choose an Apprenticeship?
I chose to do an apprenticeship as I wanted to learn new things whilst earning money at the same time. I did 2 years at college before applying to go to university but then was told about apprenticeships. I have always been the hands on type of person so thought that having the chance to get a qualification whilst working and earning money was a perfect solution. Choosing an apprenticeship was a great decision as I managed to get a full time job within the council and I also won Young Employee of the year which was one of my greatest achievements.
What did you learn, and how has it helped you?
I have learnt that there are more beneficial things to an apprenticeship than what I first thought. The main thing that I have learnt is to be confident in myself but also in the work that I produce. I have gained skills in which I didn’t think I would have the chance to do and have had many opportunities. I didn’t have the easiest of apprenticeships but having the support and help to become motivated also made me a stronger person.
How did you find the end point assessment process?
In my own opinion, I did not find the end point assessment process easy or hard. When being submitted to gateway, my tutor ensured that I had provided everything that was needed. With this being spilt into the 2 different assessments, I made myself two folders in which I could save everything in. When it came to the interview, I had a paper copy of my project and my evidence so that I did not have to keep messing around on the computer. The assessor was nice and made me feel comfortable. Being confident and giving my all was key. Knowing that I passed made me feel that the 18 months of hard work had paid off.
Would you recommend an Apprenticeship to someone else?
Yes, I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who wants to learn as they earn. It was an amazing opportunity for me as during my apprenticeship I managed to gain myself a full time business admin role.
