HR Apprentice Review

I am within the HR department of AstraZeneca (AZ), working split between the Reward department (All things associated with Compensation and Benefits) and the Analytics department. In Reward, I oversee country level decisions with my team and have a operating model formed on consultancy. Within Analytics we monitor employee engagement, employee trends and movements throughout the business

My computer skills have greatly improved with my knowledge and ability of Excel increasing significantly. I have also seen a significant improvement in my interpersonal skills between colleagues and external partners or contacts. I have also seen a rise in overall confidence in myself through the number in presentations given to senior leaders.

I love the work that I am doing, I can see that it actually has an impact on the business and can see the flow of how work I do, has gone up to the senior leaders within AZ. I also find the work interesting as it isn't like anything I have been exposed to before

The organisation is huge but is organised very well, I know the people that I can go to for support and they are more than happy to help. The Course I am studying is organised well and I am able to take 1 day out of work per week in order to complete this.

The employer is always available to provide help, my manager is always willing to provide guidance or clarification and my company mentor (A former apprentice himself) is a great sounding board who is approachable and relaxed. They take the course very seriously and understand that that takes priority over other tasks.

The course is entirely self leaning, the course itself is well organised but the online website of ICS Learn is often ambiguous. The course itself is interesting and enjoyable but it feels like they are distanced from me as a learner. I still enjoy the course and feel that it is beneficial and they are a good provider

I can see the aspects of what I am learning in the working environment being in demand within the business. I can also form a better understanding when I use the things I have learnt in live examples. I also feel that it has/will enable me to go further in a career and understand ideas in more detail.

There is a designated team who run social events that we can engage with, they are often great fun and allow for a good networking experience. As Apprentices, we also go to events or run events such as meals out and Escape rooms or bowling nights. There is also a gym provided by the employer and they run classes for us to go to

Yes

They are such a welcoming company and in my experience, everyone I have met has been willing to provide time and patience to ensure I have the correct understanding and also support me and push me to do better. As an employee they treat you well and always provide personal guidance if needed or always willing to point you in the right direction.

Change is extremely common and is often always best. Always be openminded to what may be ahead, I initially applied for a job in the science department but was redirected towards HR and I have no regrets at all. Try to be confident in your ability but be prepared and open to making mistakes as they will teach you what's missing in your understanding.