People Support Apprentice Review

My role is essentially to support the HR team within our trust. On a day to day basis i help with payroll tasks such imputing new starters onto our system, input overtime for any staff, complete Payovers for each month and complete payroll Summary reports. Due to this i often communicate with external stakeholders such our payroll provider (NCC) meeting deadlines and fixing any errors made.

Due to us being a people focused service i have developed my communication skills, adapting my style depending on who i am speaking to. For example speaking to a principal within our trust i make sure to be quite formal using the Trusts correct wording etc. However speaking to a close colleague i could be less formal. I feel as though i have gained a lot of confidence whilst completing my apprenticeship - i find myself getting involved in teem meetings which at first i was quite worried to do. As i complete a lot of payroll tasks Excel spreadsheets to do so. This has helped with my IT skills. I also feel as though i am a lot more confident with out policies - completing the GDPR annually has helped this.

I have really enjoyed my experience at GAT and my apprenticeship. I feel very fortunate to have had such a supportive team to work with. At GAT everyone is treated equally no matter your position. I was always encouraged to give my opinion on processes and tasks within our trust.

My Team is very organised - Right from starting at GAT and finishing at GAT. I had Training throughout to continue/further my learning. I had regular catch ups with my line manager to discuss my progress and i always had work to do. I had a team member who worked a lot within payroll as my mentor and she was fantastic. Always happy to help me with any questions i had.

A lot! Every Wednesday we would have 'wellbeing Wednesday' which is essentially wellbeing support. This was important especially whilst working from home due to the pandemic. My line manager always encouraged me to raise any problems i had, she was always supportive of my apprenticeship and wanted me to do the best i could. I couldn't have asked for a better team.

Also a lot, me and my tutor had regular catchups to discuss my modules and she would always provide me with resources for each module. She made it clear that i could email her anytime if i needed anything further. I really enjoyed completing my apprenticeship and having such a lovely tutor massively contributed.

I was provided with monthly tasks on cognassist which helped immensely with my day to day role (EG) as it had guidance on 'how to professionally tell your manager you have too much work'. All of these really helped with everyday tasks.

Yes - meet the CEO call, Charity events, National apprenticeship week. However due to being in a pandemic for most of my Apprenticeship it wasn't as easy

Yes

Overall a great company to work for. Everyone is so kind and supportive which really makes a difference within your work. I get excited everyday to get up and work. I received so much support throughout and no matter your role your opinion and ideas are never missed.

Be yourself. Show off your skills and what makes you different.