Apprentice HR Review

A general day in my role consists of managing company data and the core systems it's stored within, producing and disseminating monthly reports, designing and updating data dashboards, handling ad-hoc data requests, and working with various stakeholders across the organisation to manage expectations and answer asks when it comes to new projects.

Basic mathematical and communication skills have been practiced from the beginning, and on a daily since. My ability with Microsoft Excel has developed greatly, and I have learned how to use entirely new software and systems, including Power BI and SAP SuccessFactors. Building general skills such as database modelling, data analysis, and stakeholder relationship building has also been a staple of my experience.

The training has been excellent, and has definitely set me up to excel in my role. There has been plenty of support from both the training provider and the people within my organisation, and I have had a lot of opportunities to take on new challenges and expand my skillset. Overall, it has been very satisfactory.

As far as external training goes, everything has followed a logical order - starting with core skills, before progressing to cover more complex and/or specialised areas. The same applies to the portfolio I have built up over the programme, with each consecutive activity showing natural development from the previous one.

There has never been an issue with blocking out the time needed for any activity involved in the programme - including classroom sessions, training-related assignment / project work, personal revision sessions, etc. My colleagues have also been consistently supportive, always available whenever I need help, guidance, or simply someone to bounce ideas off of.

Throughout the programme, I have had regular contact with people from the training provider, whether that be in the form of communicating with the people teaching the classroom sessions (who have also been supportive outside of these), or my personal DLC (digital learning coordinator), who has helped prepare me for every stage of this apprenticeship.

The vast majority of the core data-related skills taught have been directly applicable to my role, or at the very least indirectly useful. Plenty of other "soft", transferable skills have been taught and put to good use, allowing me to better build relationships or manage my time in the workplace.

Several digital nighttime events were held over the pandemic - pub quizzes, talent shows, etc. - and there have also been fitness-related events such as walking and hiking challenges. There are plenty of volunteering opportunities to get involved in, covering everything from helping at apprenticeship fairs to river clean-ups and aquatic invertebrate surveys, and general get-togethers celebrating project ends, etc.

Yes

There is a good atmosphere in the workplace, with everyone being professional yet still supportive and sociable, and the general company goals and values align with mine - especially in our approach to increasing environmental friendliness and building stronger community relationships. So far it has seemed like my organisation is somehow involved in everything that goes on, whether it's the Commonwealth Games, providing water aid to those in other countries who need it, increasing diversity-based tolerance and equality, etc.

The core values are Embracing Curiosity, Showing Care, Taking Pride, and Having Courage, and it is important to display these characteristics throughout your application, in whatever ways they are applicable to you. General knowledge and understanding of the company's purpose and goals will always set you apart, as will showing passion and a willingness to get involved with new things and focus on your own development.