Human Resources Assistant Review

My role is to support members of my team and our customers. My tasks vary daily but are admin based and can include answering basic HR queries, providing basic advice to colleagues, using specific HR systems to upload, check, and amend information as necessary and follow guidelines and policies such as GDPR and confidentiality with all work I do on a daily basis. I am given approximately an hour a day to focus on my Apprenticeship work.

Yes, I am learning how to use the specific HR systems, I have learned how to adapt my priorities accordingly to workload, I can confidently make professional relationships across Newcastle Building Society - in Branches and other departments. I am confident doing basic admin tasks such as scanning, uploading and attaching evidence or information to colleagues profiles. I can confidently write assignments and hit deadlines.

I thoroughly enjoy my Apprenticeship, it's the first job I like coming too. Newcastle Building Societies and BeSpoke Training work and learning environments are both so positive and supportive. I had a bit of a rocky start at the beginning of my Apprenticeship as the team I started with were unable to facilitate my Apprenticeship which meant I sometimes struggled with no work to do. I am now on a new team and am 100% supported for both my apprenticeship work and day to day work. I love going to the monthly class held be Bepoke, I get to meet new people also completing the Apprenticeship (at other companies) who you can talk to about any problems or difficulties, the classes aren't that big which makes the session more interactive and meaningful. This Apprenticeship is a lot more full on than I thought it was going to be but it keeps me busy and work give me the time I need to ensure I don't fall behind.

My programme is structured to a point. I know I will always have work to do, I just don't always know what I will be doing, until I get into work. Some days I know what work I will be doing - it varies. I know I'm allowed an hour a day to work towards my Apprenticeship and that I have to attend a day session once a month to learn and go through our next assignment brief.

I receive so much support from both my line manager and the Early Talent manager (the programme I'm employed under). They are both so keen to help if I have any problems and do regular check ins to make sure I'm okay, coping with my workload and if I need any extra support. I could easily go to either with an issue and know it would be sorted. It was recommended we have a CIPD student membership for the course and work paid for it. I have a mentor I meet with regularly and we discuss my job and offer extra support from with an outside perspective.

I receive lots of support from my training provider. If I have a question I can email or phone them. I was talking about how expensive books are for programmes like ours are and they bought and sent me the book I was talking about! This was such a huge help and showed they want what's best for their students. The only thing I don't like is the face to face check in being every three months. I think 6-8 weeks would be long enough.

What I learn at the monthly sessions supports what I do at work and sometimes gives me a new way to look at things. I definitely take on board what I learn. I have outcomes I have to provide evidence towards these outcomes before I can pass the Apprenticeship which ensures I will be exposed to each part of HR.

There are loads of social events. Early Talent had a freshers week which was lovely, we went bowling and volunteering as well as doing team projects. There is a Staff Association through Newcastle Building Society which costs two pound a month but you get access to discounted days out and events. There is a free gym at one of the head offices and individual teams often have their own staff night out or meal.

Yes

Since starting this Apprenticeship I have learned so much and continue to do so each day I'm here. I have made some great friends in the team and throughout the Society. I know I'm supported with my learning and that the company want me to succeed and will support. The pay as an Apprentice is amazing and makes you feel valued and you are guaranteed a job at the end of the Apprenticeship. I could not recommend Newcastle Building Society enough.

Even if you don't think you have relevant experience - apply! I applied with no office or HR experience but got the job. It's not about what experience you have, it's about what you can offer!