HR Data Science Apprentice Review

My role is data science within HR - this involves working with data everyday, completing insights through creating dashboards, completing analysis through Excel and other softwares. Within my apprenticeship I am able to complete 4 year-long rotations where I move around different teams within HR. This allows me to get involved in varied projects with different aims and objectives.

I am studying towards a BSc Data Science degree with Anglia Ruskin throughout my 4-year apprenticeship - I have learnt lots more about mathematics, statistics and programming. I've learnt a lot within my role at AZ, in particular the softwares, weekly and monthly tasks at the company but also what it's like working in a large company/office/team work.

I thoroughly enjoy my job. Having rotations once a year too is a bonus as I am able to get an insight to other teams and work with many people, building strong networks and connections throughout the company. The company culture is great, even though more can be done since the COVID restrictions have been lifted.

My programme is well organised. I am aware of the rotations and the teams I will be moving into in the future and believe work-flow is great, there's always something for me to do. The side that slightly lacks is the University/study side of the programme. My degree doesn't relate to my job at AZ at all, to the point where I'm struggling to apply any of my studies to my role - I don't think the degree and role match up. But, I am given plenty of time for my study hours and more time around assignment deadlines so I don't think I am at any disadvantage compared to my peers. There is a strong support around teams/managers at AZ.

I receive huge amounts of support from my employer. My manager is great - we have weekly catch-ups and speak almost everyday in the office to collaborate and check-in. My mentor is great too, she has a lot of experience (previously being an apprentice herself) so it's great to learn through someone who's completed the same thing I'm doing. Regarding the issue with lack of study work within my everyday work, my employers are great in trying to find work to support my Uni studies. My manager tries to expand her knowledge just so she is able to support me more - which I think is great. I love my role at the company, I can't imagine not being this supported and comfortable within my role and the company.

I have a personal tutor at University, who is great help at assignment support and giving advice out when I ask for it. However, there is less support when it comes to individual module leaders. There is little communication (apart from lecture hours) and lack of connection between lecturers and students - this may be due to the fact I'm still having lectures online (have never met my peers) and I wish they took this into account, as everyone feels strongly about lectures face-to-face. I do enjoy University, but more could be done by the providers themselves.

My qualification doesn't contribute to my role at all. I feel like my role in HR at this company has very little link to the content of my Data Science degree. It's unfortunate as I believe I would get the best learning out of my studies if I was able to apply it on a more day-to-day basis, however after much research and digging within my role, there is little opportunity for me to complete jobs based on my studies. I am trying to find ways to use HR data and to apply it to programming (University modules), but it's very tricky, especially as the team I am currently sat in have little/no experience with my study material, its hard to find support.

Unfortunately AZ have been very slow in the return to work/social side of work. There has been nothing organised for apprentices/new starters since coming back into the office - all of the events I have been to with other apprentices have been organised between us all. I wish AZ did more for us to network, socialise in the office, especially as I joined in the pandemic so have never had the proper chance to socialise and meet people face to face. I enjoy meeting up with other apprentices though, we meet every other week and it's from all cohorts too so it's great hearing about different sides of the company in a casual way.

Yes

Despite the lack of link between my studies and work at AZ, I couldn't enjoy the work side of my apprenticeship anymore. AZ offer great apprenticeship schemes all in different sectors of the company, there are so many job opportunites within each role, the employee's are all friendly and supportive of you and I can't, at this point in my career, imagine working anywhere else.

I would recommend doing your background research of the company before interviews/assessments day - I believe this gives you a step up from other people who are applying. I also confidently say that this will be a great decision - AZ is a great company to work for, with flexible holiday hours (one of my concerns when coming into an apprenticeship role), great work support and also having the opportunity to gain a degree, earning money and getting hands-on experience at a great company.