HR Apprentice Review

My day-to-day role lies in making employees experiences great, no matter the employee or where they lie in the employee lifecycle. Whilst we hope to have our processes and systems perfect to avoid any problems arising for employees, this simply is impossible, which is why I help manage and reply to employees’ queries aiming to resolve their issue as quickly and smoothly as possible. In turn, this allows employees to get back to their performing as highly as possible in their roles – creating the programs that our altogether different. I help oversee the employee lifecycle - supporting employees as they join, to when they leave the business.

My apprenticeship has taught me so much about HR that previously I didn't know, including all the specialist areas like recruitment, systems, reward etc. I have also developed my interpersonal skills - I feel better able to voice my opinion, speak and present to people, work within a team and produce high quality work.

I really enjoy working within a team where I feel supported and encouraged to learn. I feel able to manage the daily tasks I am given, but confident to push back where necessary so I don't feel overwhelmed. Recently, I've started to branch into more project work, and I'm proud to have work that I am taking the lead of.

My apprenticeship programme is clearly structured with a call once every two weeks on a Friday for 1 and a half hours, and I have the next Friday free to work on my assignments. I really like this structure - it gives me time to work through things with my manager and make my work a good quality.

I receive lots of support from my employer. My manager, immediate team and wider team all support me in different ways. They help me to develop my learning, action my daily tasks and motivate me when I need encouragement. Our early careers team are really supportive of all the apprentices. They arrange learning opportunities and socials.

My training provider supports me through the teaching sessions once every two weeks, but aside from that I'd say there is limited support. My progress reviews have limited value. I'd prefer more learning opportunities to develop my skills of human resources. This could be additional videos made that I could watch in my own time for example.

I feel my apprenticeship training helps me to understand things easier in my role at Channel 4. My role at Channel 4 is in one area. My apprenticeship learning allows me to have exposure to the other specialist areas of human resources. I also like being able to apply my learning into my work.

Channel 4 have Employee Resource Groups at C4 - inclusive networks that bring colleagues with shared characteristics, lived experiences and interests together. They’re developed and run by staff, sponsored by members of the Exec team and are open to all C4 employees, as to welcome allies into those spaces and conversations. Their shared goal is to help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace at C4. Each Employee Network at C4 is unique and operates slightly differently, but they have a shared purpose of inclusivity.

Yes

Channel 4 is a great place to work. I feel extremely lucky to have this opportunity. The pay is excellent and their 50/50 home working balance means I spend 2 days a week in the office where I'm able to socialise with the wider team and 3 days at home.

Be yourself in the interview. There's no point pretending to be someone else or trying to make yourself appear in a light you wouldn't be able to keep up. Do your prep, be polite, be confident and friendly. Ask questions. Only apply for a role you are genuinely interested in.