Site Administrator Review

As HR Apprentice, I was responsible for supporting the HR team, and by extension the entire site, with general administrative and engagement tasks. This also involved communicating with individuals on many different levels including managerial, supervisory, operative, and others - both internally and externally. Additionally, throughout the apprenticeship (and post) I was introduced to HR elements including investigations, recruitment, and other similar tasks.

I developed pre-existing administrative skills and began developing skills with engagement - primarily boosting my confidence through interaction and responsibility. I undertook training courses such as Food Safety and Right to Work, and learnt from various mentors within the business.

I enjoyed being able to expand my skills and gain new ones in an area I had not been exposed to before (namely HR). It was good to be able to put my own knowledge to use whilst learning new things and being supported by different team members - not only within HR, but also across the site.

I feel that Tulip/Dalehead now values it's apprentices a lot more and provides them with a lot more support than when I started, however this is understandable as I believe it was a starting out point for Dalehead/Tulip when it came to apprentices and was still a new thing. I now believe that Apprentices are very valued and given a lot of support.

I felt like the intention of having a structured programme at the beginning was there, however with HR being ever-changing day to day and members of the team changing/leaving, it was quite difficult to stick to this and ultimately became more of a 'learning by supporting/by exposure' practice.

Sharon (UoH) was incredible - she was able to give me a lot of support during my Apprenticeship, both in learning and in general. She was a pleasure to work with and incredibly knowledgeable which was beneficial whilst getting through some of the assignments. I was also given a lot of support from Esther (UoH) whilst completing key skills.

I felt supported in learning new things by the HR Officer at the time who was supportive and friendly, making it easier for me to settle into the role and learn the new tasks I was undertaking. I was also supported by the trainer at the time, and by the newer trainer that later joined the company. Others on site were also very supportive, especially Production Managers and Supervisors who were eager and positive towards helping me familiarize myself with the site.

I began on the Apprenticeship wage which, whilst low, was suitable for me as I was still living at home at the time. My salary has risen since in line with the yearly lifts and I am happy with it.

There are a few additional things I have been able to get involved with including careers fairs and engagement with the local schools/community. I have also been given projects such as the Fun Day and organizing Christmas.

Yes

Apprenticeships with the company have changed greatly since I began my Apprenticeship, however I believe it is for the better. I can see they have learnt by experience and grown, and are now very supportive of their apprentices and provide incredible opportunities across various departments. That isn't to discredit my own Apprenticeship, of course! I learnt a lot during my first year and had a lot of opportunities to develop.

Go for it. People are often put off by the nature of the business - meat isn't always an attractive thing to work around, but to put the idea aside is to potentially pass on a life changing experience. Apprenticeships are wonderful opportunities to learn a whole range of new skills, to be exposed to new experience, and develop yourself both in a career and as a person. Tulip value their apprentices, and I think there are very few places that put as much time and dedication into their Apprenticeships.