Business Admin Apprentice Review

No day is the same, but, the tasks I have to do include: writing contracts, being involved in the recruitment process (interview and testing), on-boarding and off-boarding employees, payment of invoices, managing databases, writing official documents, looking after certain populations of the business, being a main point of contact for HR queries, as well as own projects and tasks set by others within the business.

I had absolutely no understanding of HR before joining the company, and now I am fully aware of processes, policies and procedures required within a company. I have developed my personal skills by carrying out inductions for all new starters, as well as being a part of the recruitment process.

I enjoy the work side of it - so being within HR itself and all the tasks that this involves. However, the academic side of the apprenticeship is lacking, and rarely reflects my day to day job. I don't feel I have enough resources to complete the work to as high of standard as I would have liked.

Organised in the sense I know when I need to complete my tasks, and have deadlines for these. But the structure of the apprenticeship programme itself and the people within it (academy, manager, apprentice) is lacking at the moment. Think there needs to be greater clarity on the apprenticeship as a whole and what's required from the apprentice, the manager and the training programme.

It's rare for me and my manager to have a long amount of time with each other as we are both so busy. Which is challenging, but, my manager allows me to take time out to focus on my apprenticeship work and is aware of the 20% time limit.

Not much. Tutor rarely comes out to visit, and there are a lack of training days organised by the training provider - I think this needs to change. When my tutor visits, its very rushed. More of a case of ticking off what needs to be completed, rather than catching up on how things are going / progress.

You learn about different aspects of the business world via the topics you have to complete, for example I was set a task regarding code of conduct, which I could use to better my etiquette in the role. But some of the tasks set do not relate to my role and ask about the business as a whole, but It's hard to find the information from the business to answer the questions.

I think there's a quiz club, and we do get involved with Children in Need. My department organises nights on and I know other departments do too. There is also a family fun day in which a BBQ is put on and employees can bring their family, so in fairness there is quite a few. It's a friendly atmosphere.

Yes

I have received good management, been given loads of responsibility and been thrown into a role which has built upon my skills, and enabled me to think about a future career. The benefits are really good, car scheme, brand discounts, e.c.t. The pay itself is much better than other apprenticeships which only offer around £3.00 per hour.

Network as much as you can, you need to sell yourself to the people around you, so that they have a good perception of you, which makes you more likely to get employment in the future. But if you're applying for an apprentice role, ensure that you make sure your manager is aware of the 20% rule and that you aren't forgotten about by the training provider.