Apprentice People Advisor Review

My overall role is an Apprentice People/HR Advisor and I sit within our People function for the duration of my apprenticeship, however I rotate around the sub-teams/centres of excellence every 6 months. Within my current seat in the HR generalist team, my day-to-day role includes dealing with email queries from stakeholders within the business (covering topics such as annual leave, maternity leave, pay queries, talent programmes, etc), I also get involved in projects, for example I led on the promotion process for a particular service line this year and I am supporting the head of my team with creating a new objective setting structure/guidelines for 2026.

I have developed and gained numerous skills during the first 18 months of my apprenticeship, including communication, time-management, prioritisation, critical analysis, presenting, networking, etc. As well as a broad understanding of HR policies and principles.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, starting it was the best decision I could have made. I studied Psychology for 1 year at University before deciding it wasn't the right fit for me and wasn't going to support my career path going forwards as effectively as I had hoped. Therefore, I decided to follow a more practical training route and I am finding it far more beneficial for my learning and experience gaining.

My particular pathway is fairly new to CBRE, it only began the year before my intake, therefore my rotations have been slightly different to my peers who began in the previous year. However, that has not taken away from my experience. I have still gained a broad understanding of generalist HR, business partnering and learning & development. I am soon to begin my next 6-month rotation within Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The wider Next Generation programme (consisting of over 250 graduates and apprentices) within CBRE UK Advisory is exceptionally well structured and organised by Frankie Andrews and Louise Doherty, beginning with an incredible induction and onboarding experience, and followed by continuous support and development opportunities throughout the programme and beyond.

I receive an abundant amount of support from my employer. I work within a fantastic team, who really respect my learning time and study leave days. I have been lucky to have really supportive managers and mentors who have helped me learn and guided me through my programme. And as previously mentioned, I receive a lot of support from [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] within the Next Gen team, as well as from my peers in the Next Gen cohort.

I receive good levels of support from my training provider. There are 2 live 3-hour training sessions per month to deliver the content of the qualification modules as well as regular coaching sessions and progress reviews from my tutor.

My qualification has supported me by providing a grounding of knowledge of HR and best practices which I can use within my day-to-day role and responsibilities.

I am on the committee for our LGBTQ+ employee resource group, where I contribute by delivering training sessions and hosting panel events to the network. I am also supporting our wellbeing lead on various initiatives for the organisation, such as Mental Health First Aider training, wellbeing events and safe space sessions.

Yes

CBRE has a broad range of benefits and support available (such as through our EAP). The way CBRE cares for mental and overall wellbeing was one of the main factors that drew me to the organisation because it is something I value and that is important to me. Also, due to the size of CBRE, there are experts within many different fields and they are all approachable and willing to teach/have a conversation which is an amazing way to learn (especially as an apprentice). We also have an incredible learning/training offering, which shows how supportive CBRE are of developing and retaining their talent.

Do your research so that you are prepared for any questions around our services and/or our RISE values and be yourself :)