Rosslyn is a Team Leader Apprentice at the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.
What is your job title?
PA to the Director for Women, Children & Diagnostics Services.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I am fairly new to formal line management although I have supervised staff previously. My present role includes responsibility for managing a small admin team. I was keen to obtain an up-to-date qualification to support my portfolio that included tools and techniques that would help me bring about the best individual and team performance.
What sort of activities did you do in your role whilst you were on the apprenticeship?
I attended various workshops related to the modules of the course which I found useful as it provided time out of the office to really focus on elements of the modules and share ideas with others on the same learning journey.
What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship?
I am pleased to have had the opportunity to take up an apprenticeship. I have been able to put to use a lot of the tools and techniques I learnt, for example, coaching and analysis tools to support appraisals etc. I particularly enjoyed networking with others from neighbouring organisations that were studying the same qualification and sharing ideas and experiences with them.
How was your training with Damar?
My last coach was exceptional in getting all information together and making what needed to be done very clear.
What do you think your biggest achievement has been as an apprentice?
Finding the time to complete the work was the biggest challenge for sure. Although I was fully supported by my employer, there is a huge amount of work involved and fitting that in has not been easy, even without a worldwide pandemic cropping up right before final exam time. A lot of weekends have been needed in addition to work day allocation in order to complete the reports and documents needed.
What do you think you have contributed to your organisation during your apprenticeship?
I received some really good feedback from my manager and peers which was nice to hear and tells me I think I am getting something right:
“Ros is clearly an experienced PA and demonstrates incredible organisational skills, managing competing deadlines and prioritisation of emergent issues. In addition. Ros supports a very busy divisional management team, as well as dealing with a vast scope of queries. Ros remains calm despite the pressures of this role, also providing support and training for her staff. Ros offers development support to her team and goes above and beyond with detailed action plans.”
What are your career plans now you’ve finished your apprenticeship?
I will take a break for now whilst we work through the coronavirus pandemic as an NHS organisation. A very busy winter ahead is predicted. For the future I would be interested in pursuing coaching and mentoring elements so will need to see what qualifications are available.