To celebrate Get the Nation Learning Week, we’re shining a spotlight on Ellie, who has achieved a Distinction in her Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship with Haddon Training while working at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Throughout her apprenticeship, Ellie has not only developed her skills and confidence but also achieved two promotions, progressing to her current role as an Administrative Manager.
Read on to discover Ellie’s apprenticeship experience.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at Oxford Health?
My name is Ellie, and I work for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust as an Administrative Manager. I manage administrative teams across several community healthcare services, supporting District Nursing and Community Therapy teams to ensure patients receive safe, efficient care.
What inspired you to complete the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship?
I wanted to develop my leadership and management skills while gaining a nationally recognised qualification that I could apply directly to my role. I have always been passionate about improving services and supporting colleagues, so the apprenticeship felt like the perfect opportunity to build my confidence, broaden my knowledge and prepare for future career progression.
What did you enjoy most about the apprenticeship?
The best part was being able to immediately put what I was learning into practice. Every module had real-life relevance, and I was able to use the knowledge to improve processes within my team. I particularly enjoyed my service improvement project, where I introduced a new lone working process that made a genuine difference to staff safety and communication.
What new skills or knowledge have you gained during your apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship strengthened my leadership, communication and project management skills. It also gave me much more confidence when leading change, managing people and making decisions. During the 15 months I completed the apprenticeship, I was promoted twice, from a Band 3 Team Administrator to a Band 4 Administrative Lead, and then to my current Band 5 Administrative Manager role. I truly believe the skills, confidence and knowledge I gained through the apprenticeship played a significant part in helping me achieve that progression.
Did you face any challenges during your apprenticeship? If so, how did you overcome them?
Balancing a full-time role in a busy NHS service with studying was definitely challenging, especially as my responsibilities increased following two promotions during the programme. Alongside this, I was managing my Crohn’s disease, which can be unpredictable and at times had a significant impact on my health. There were days when juggling work, study and flare-ups felt incredibly difficult, but I was determined not to let it stop me achieving my goals. Good organisation, breaking my workload into manageable tasks, and making the most of the support from both my employer and Haddon Training helped me stay on track. Looking back, achieving a Distinction despite these challenges is something I’m incredibly proud of.
How was your experience with Haddon Training?
My experience with Haddon Training was fantastic from start to finish. Unfortunately, I had to withdraw from my first attempt at the apprenticeship due to ill health, but when I was ready to return, the team made me feel incredibly welcome and supported. They gave me the confidence to pick up where I had left off and never made me feel like I was starting over.
My Haddon Trainer Coach was knowledgeable, approachable and always available whenever I needed guidance. The feedback I received was constructive and encouraging, helping me develop throughout the programme. The apprenticeship was delivered in a way that fitted around my role and my health, and I always felt genuinely supported. Thanks to that encouragement, I was able to complete the programme with a Distinction, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support Haddon Training gave me throughout my journey.
Find out more about the Level 3 Business Administrator qualification here.
If you have any questions about our apprenticeships, please get in touch here.
