Q&A with Administrator, Deborah Oglesby

Hi Deborah, can you start by letting us know a bit about your role at TWI?

I am a customer service administrator for the training and examinations service at TWI Cambridge. I am primarily the administrator for the welding inspection programme and have contact with candidates in person, via telephone and email.

What is your career background and why did you choose to become/opt for the particular field of administration?

I have been an administrator since I completed my education. My first role was with British Telecom, which gave me great experience and training in a customer care orientated role. I then worked for TWI as a business administrator in the friction and forge processes department until I took a career break after my second son was born. While my children were studying, I worked as an office administrator for a childcare nursery, simultaneously gaining my NVQII in Business Administration. I then returned to work at TWI Ltd in 2017 to the present day.

What led you to work at TWI? And what challenges do you face dealing with administration department?

TWI Ltd is a well-known company in the local area and was recommended to me as a good employer. I was first employed as a business administrator from 1996-2003 and then I started again in 2017 to present day as a customer service administrator. My role was filled with variety and the biggest challenge recently has been the Covid pandemic, it doubled our work because of all the courses to cancel and rearrange, but we worked all the way through and have a great team.

What advice would you have for anyone who is interested in getting into administration?

In my opinion, you look at what requirements and qualifications a potential employer requires because administrative roles differ from company to company. Further education is usually required, or ask your current employer to assist you in a work-based NVQ course.