Spotlight on Talent: Rosie Watkins

Studied: Level 3 Business Administration
Progression: Management team secretary at Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Trust

Rosie Watkins only expected to work for Birmingham & Solihull NHS for three weeks as her job came via an agency.  Two and a half years later, she has established herself as a management team secretary for the Integrated Drug Treatment Systems team at HMP Birmingham.

This came about after she completed her Level 3 qualification, developing the confidence to progress from a Band 3 to a Band 4 role.

“You need to have a Level 3 qualification to  apply for a Band 4 role,” Rosie explained.  “When the opportunity came up to study the course, I looked forward to taking it on.”

She continued: “My confidence improved as I opened myself up new experiences.  I had to do a presentation and an interview activity, both of which I had never done before.

“I also appreciated other things, such as becoming more aware of how different organisations are structured and who their key stakeholders are.

“And my line manager was fully supportive, letting me take study days and encouraging me.”

Believing in herself is also something Rosie feels she has benefited from after achieving her qualification.

“My job involves a lot of data entry and analysis where attention to detail is important,” said Rosie.  “It’s easy to question yourself when I’m producing data reports.  Thanks to my qualification, I have more conviction in my work and in how I present myself during meetings.”

Rosie has no hesitation in encouraging others to complete the Apprenticeship.

“I feel I achieved something unique to me,” she added.  “And now I have the option to apply for roles at an even higher band if I want to.”