HR Apprentice Review

by Transport for London

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

10/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

At the moment I'm basically a HR Business Adviser that supports the Safety, Health & Environment and Engineering Directorates. Day-to-day can be anything from providing job contract information to a line manager, right through to note taking for a TU meeting.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes! I have presented to the SHE Senior Leadership Team many times, and feel that I've perfected my composure etc for senior mgmt meetings. Also acquired skill of data analysis and how to turn this into recommendations, from when I wrote D&I Action Plan for SHE.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

100%! Atm I'm really busy and involved with lots of different projects which is great cos I get exposure to lots of senior leaders. Moreover, it's great for my continuous development cos I'm never sitting on my laurels!

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very well structured...the pandemic meant I was furloughed for 14 weeks, but obv nothing could've been done to anticipate that. It just means that my last placement finishes at the end of September, when normally it would finish in June...but it's all good!

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Loads! I've got my Scheme Sponsor, Line Manager, Apprentice Buddy, the Graduate & Apprentice Committee, Women's Staff Network Group, my professional network of people from HR and other business areas, as well as those external to TfL.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Loads! Jane Southall is the singular most brilliant person from Kingston College. She ensured that despite the sudden move to wfh, we did not miss out on our learning in the slightest. She is amazing!

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Yeah a lot, but I don't think it really kicks in of how you relate HR theory to the workplace, until you're over a year into the apprenticeship. Just cos at the beginning you're concentrating on mastering the placement skills.

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes, loads! Coffee roulette, Kaido challenge, presentations from senior leaders through the Graduate & Apprentice Committee or the Women's Staff Network Group.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Transport for London to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Limitless opportunities in the various areas of TfL e.g. London Underground, Crossrail etc. Secondment opps to the GLA. Free travel around London, great pension!

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Transport for London?

In your application, be enthusiastic about how much you love London and are passionate about making it better for Londoners and visitors. Say that you could think of no better place to do that other than TfL!