Name: Josh Byford
Employer: Swindon Borough Council
Training Provider: Key Training
Business Administration Apprentice
I've been working in the Business Change Team in Swindon Borough Council since July 2009. A key component of the wider Business Transformation Department, the team aims to transform and improve the Council's working practices as a whole.
My role upon arrival was initially unclear, though this was due to arriving in the team during a transitional period.
The Council had just embarked upon a project called 'New Ways of Working' - a mammoth programme of change and upheaval within the organisation, aiming to change the working practises and environment for the better. The project was still very much at an embryonic stage in July, and as such people's job roles were still taking shape and being defined.
It was fascinating to see and be a part of this period of transition, as there was a lot of creative spark and excitement in the air at the sheer potential and possibilities of the project. It was also a good insight into how people adapt to change within their own office and initiate a project from the ground up.
After the initial ambiguity I quickly found myself in an ideal and rewarding role, acting in a support role for the Business Change Team. As the name suggests, the team are directly at the forefront of implementing and communicating the Council's change programmes to staff and managers. Perhaps the defining characteristic of my job role is how varied it is. No two days are quite the same and I always feel as though the work I do is a valuable contribution to the team as a whole.
A fair portion of the support I give is in an administrative capacity, whether compiling spreadsheets, typing up notes, setting up meetings, constructing PowerPoint slides etc.
By far the most enjoyable aspect of my job is being out in the business assisting the Business Change Managers in implementing the New Ways of Working project. This can range from assisting with workshops that help staff to understand what the project is all about and how it affects them, providing technical support for staff with an online form concerning ICT requirements for the Project, there's even been the occasional bit of manual labour thrown in for good measure; I've helped set up a model office, de-clutter office space and assist with delivery and distribution of laptop carry cases for staff.
I found the other team members to be very welcoming and helpful from day one, always willing to help if I have a problem and generally contributing to a strong team ethic and positive working atmosphere.
It's often easy to forget how much I've learned since starting here, a lot of the procedures and tasks I engage in have quickly become second nature. This has been the first job I've had in an office environment so I was literally learning everything from scratch.
Another great aspect of this Apprenticeship Scheme is the opportunity to study for an NVQ in Business Administration in conjunction with the course. You have the option to choose modular units that suit your role, for example I chose units that were focused on producing case studies of spreadsheets and presentations, thus fitting in seamlessly with the work I do. The cohesion between the NVQ and my everyday work has been excellent throughout, and I've never found it to disrupt my working pattern.
Overall I would say this apprenticeship offers a fascinating and invaluable insight into the workplace and office environment, along with equally valuable work experience and some top quality ammunition for your CV!
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