Human Resources Apprentice Review

My role is not simply limited to one thing. You have the opportunity to rotate on different placements through the 2 year scheme, to gain as much exposure to HR as possible. So far I have supported call advisors advising employees with lifecycle queries, helped with onboarding new employees into TfL, learnt about complex employee issues regarding flexible working and death in service and now I am currently spending time in recruitment learning about anonymised recruiting and what TfL are doing to be fair, equal and consistent, and also assisting with various projects.

I have learnt new skills in processing queries on SAP (online software that holds employee data), how to use Taleo (recruiting/onboarding software), I have also developed in my presentation skills, note taking, problem solving skills. TfL is a very collaborative workplace so you naturally develop your stakeholder management skills and team work- as collaboration is one of the employee behaviours here!

So far so good! I am very much enjoying the scheme. Considering this is the first time TfL have had to run everything virtually they have done a fantastic job at engaging me in what I do. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful- keen for all apprentices to succeed and this has made the overall experience what it is. I have enjoyed having such a good apprentice Sponsor and even though it has been tough at times to get into new ways of working, I have enjoyed the challenge it brings and the support that comes with it.

Right at the begining of application communication was rather slow in terms of what was going on - in the midst of the pandemic. But as TfL made a decision to continue with the programme, they did 'Keep warm' sessions to try and keep us engaged. The structure of the programme is good. My scheme is 2 years long and one day a week there is a study day where you attend College to gain your CIPD level 5 qualification.

Ample of support. You have a Sponsor who is in effect your personal line manager- they talk you through personal objectives and will always be there to answer any queries and have meetings with you weekly to see how you are getting in. In my experience my Sponsor has been my main go to. You also get paired up with a "buddy" who is on the same scheme as you but a year above- this is an informal relationship depending on your needs, you can catch up with them weekly if you like and just chat about anything work or not work. They are people that know what you're going through and can give casual advice regarding College and TfL. You also have placement managers- as mentioned previously you go on numerous placements. Each one has a manager who is your main port of call for queries regarding that specific placement. They normally structure what your time will look like whilst you are with them. There's loads more...

At college you have a tutor - for us we have ha d a tutor per unit of work. These are the people that run your unit and you can ask them anything related to the course, they are very knowledgeable (of course) so they are a real asset when it comes to your work. I haven't had to use my tutor outside of the college teaching as I have found my Sponsor and buddy have given me loads of support regarding college.

I think that my qualification has given me a good background in what I am doing at TfL. We have just finished a unit on Employee Engagement and it is very cool to see where everyday things I see with in the organisation link in with engagement and through doing this qualification it is helping me analyse myself and my own behaviours at work. I wouldn't necessarily say it helps me perform better as it is more theory- but I would say it gives a great backdrop.

There are loads of things to get involved with if you choose- as we are in a virtual worl they're all online curerently. - There are lots of Staff Network Groups: RACE (diversity and inclusion), Environmental groups, Women's Groups, Faith Groups, carer groups and loads more - There is a Grads and Apprenticeship committee who organise activities for us to take part in wither that be 'lunch & learns' to tours of hidden parts of the LU! - With CIPD there are also opportunities to go to Human Resource events

Yes

I would (and have) recommened TfL as I really do believe they look after your best interests as well as their own as an organision. The mission is to provide safe transport to the people of London, but I feel that their mission is also to support and value their employees. I think if you want to be somewhere that values your development and what makes you unique TfL is for you. TfL is also doing it's best and making strides to be more diverse and inclusive they have shown this when it comes to the Operation side of things and there is a way to go yet in regards to Professional Services BUT they are doing so well trying to put thoughts into action and I respect that.

Just do it. I thought I wouldn't get it or that I wouldn't be good enough and here I am- it is really not as scary as you think. - Prepare for any interviews (whether it is pre-recorded, or assessment centres) - Smile and have fun through the process, engage with it - Be patient (I should've been more so) - Ask questions, but it is okay if you don't have any too!