Human Resources Apprentice Review

As a HR apprentice in my second year, I have been involved in different areas of HR. Beginning with customer delivery - I worked within the call advisor who are the first port of call for the business. Picking up general queries from employees around the business. This could be around Learning & Development or Recruitment for example.

Throughout the apprenticeship I have learnt how to build relationships with key stakeholders in the business and other employees who could help further my career. I have learnt how to use SharePoint and create a site. I have learnt how to use SAP. I have learnt how to present to a group of people. I could go on and on.

I somewhat enjoy it. I have definitely enjoyed the whole experience. Whether or not HR is for me is another question however. I am thankful for the experience as it has shown me that this is probably not the route to go down and therefore am considering my options. I have learn t on the job studying for my CIPD qualification whilst earning money and being a part of an awesome company - so certainly all is not lost, but rather gained and I look forward to seeing what next is in store for me.

My programme has been organised very well. Beginning with three, four month placements and ending with a 12 month placement. I would say that potentially (not having yet completed it) the 12 month placement is three-four months too long and that if you are not enjoying it then it becomes a slow burner. I am 50/50 at the moment on this last one thus far, but in terms of structure it has been done very well by the business. A lot better than other schemes anyway.

I would say that I receive a lot of support from my employer. They have put in place buddies, placement managers, sponsors and mentors meaning that all areas are pretty much covered. The sponsors are always there to support even with he studying aspect of the apprenticeship which is always helpful if there are any concerns or difficulties. They are also very supportive in helping organising ad-hoc placements to suit my needs when trying to broaden my horizons and options following the end of this apprenticeship.

The training provider is somewhat helpful. I guess it works two ways. if you put in the effort on your side then they are more likely and willing to help beyond the realms of the norm. They can be reached by email however, it is always easier having person-person contact as that is where they prove most helpful with coursework and unclear questions.

I think the qualification somewhat helps. Certain modules prove relevant in the day to day more so than others. Previously working in customer delivery and dealing with cases such as maternity/paternity leave and even in my current role as a business partner, modules like Employment Law are certainly helpful as it covers quite a wide range of topics including protected characteristics which helped in one of my previous placements when dealing with Bullying & Harassment cases. Inevitably it depends on where in the business you are to determine the extent as to which the qualification helps you perform better in the role.

There are extra-curricular activities to get involved. Here at TfL we have SNG's or staff network groups such as the BAME society, which are free for anyone to join in and get involved. There are also socials in different areas e.g. within recruitment most Friday nights will be a get together within the O2.

Yes

Its just an exciting company to work for. It is a huge organisation so there will definitely be something that will take your fancy hence why I am not worried about the future even if HR is not for me. It is a well regarded company with CHANGE at its forefront. It is a constantly evolving company with great staff and also great benefits like the pension scheme, good amount of holiday leave, good pay and free travel, which you cannot complain about. I think the word to describe it is 'Opportunity'.

I would say amongst expressing why you want to work for the company and how great the company is, it is important to exclaim what YOU can bring to the organisation and how YOU can make it better. Do your research about the company, what are our values and competencies. Use the STAR method in any interview/application you go for. This will help bring structure to your responses.