HR Apprentice Review

I have recently moved into the payroll team and it covers so many different things. I respond to tickets that colleagues raise regarding payroll issues, this can be anything from maternity pay to tax codes. I have to find the answers using internal systems or government websites. I also approve overtime for colleagues.

I have learnt so much more about spreadsheets, when I started I could barely use excel and now I am doing pivot tables and creating large financial spreadsheets. I use these for data analysis so it comes in handy being able to do more with them. I have also been learning about tax and national insurance and how we have to process this inline with government.

The programme is great, I 've always thought that the programme was more than just an apprenticeship and Sage have proved that recently. In times of uncertainty the Sage Apprentice team have started monthly calls to keep the apprentices motivated and given us advice on healthy minds which I think is great whilst we are all working from home. Well done Sage!

My programme has been well organised, as I had to do English and Maths it was an extra challenge so we had that planned in place from the start. Between functional skills, the professional qualification and the EPA it has been handled really weel and Sage were fully supportive of me.

Sage have provided me with so much support from the start, not only in the apprenticeship but also in my personal development. I've been given opportunities to take part in so many different projects to give me full exposure within the HR team. This has allowed me to gain knowledge in a wider area of HR.

Northern Skills have been very supportive during my journey. From the start they allowed me to make a plan for my Maths and English that I felt comfortable with rather than the standard plan they would use which give me more flexibility to manage around my work load and college sessions.

I think the qualification is essential to get the most out of a role in HR. I t gives you a better understanding of the role you are doing and why. Learning about the legal implications is great to give you an insight as to the reason behind the processes and procedures.

Yes Sage have many extra activities that you can get involved in. Pride @ SAGE is one of them and this supports Sage's Diversity & Inclusion policy. There's Healthy mind coaches and ambassadors which is th eone I have applied for this year :-) and best of all Sage allows colleagues 5 days a year to volunteer for a charity of your choice

Yes

Honestly, why wouldn't I would be the question I ask? They are supportive and provide you with all the tools to do your job well and more besides. The programme itself gives extra development opportunities for us as apprentices to gain from personally, not just to focus on our qualification.

Be open and honest when you go into interview. You are applying for an apprenticeship no one is expecting you to know everything. It's a daunting time of your life when starting a new career but try not to let the nerves get to you everyone is super friendly.