Human Resources Apprenticeship Program Review

I am currently a Level 3 Human Resources Apprentice at UBS. I spend 4 days a week working on real business projects and dedicate 1 day a week to my studies/national qualifications. My program is rotational - every 6 months I change teams within HR. I have completed rotations in HR Business Management, Junior Talent Recruitment, Performance Management and People Analytics. Each day varies, but it will consist of checking emails, attending meetings/calls, running and analyzing reports, seeking ways to improve our HR offerings and supporting HR managers in their dealings with the business.

I have developed my communication and interpersonal skills. I've also built on my problem solving skills. I've improved my confidence levels. I've developed my teamwork and collaborative skills, as every work I do will involved key stakeholders. I've also improved my self-motivation skills - particularly on the studying/professional qualification side of things. Within my role I've gained technical skills by using various systems such as Excel, Web Intelligence, PowerPoint and Word. Another key skill gained by doing an apprenticeship is reflective practice - across most programs there is the requirement to complete reflective essays which help you to recognise your achievements and understand how you can improve.

Whilst it can be demanding at times, I do enjoy my programme a lot. I have a sense of purpose and a sense of direction. The programme has supported my personal and professional development which I wouldn't of got from a traditional academic pathway. I always feel supported by HR, mentors, and others on my programme. The work differs every day, keeping things exciting and engaging.

Very well structured. I work 4 days in the office/at home and 1 day is dedicated to my studies which is organised by an external learning provider. My manager ensures I always take my study day. Within the office, my work is structured around my team/colleagues. With the external learning provider, I have scheduled workshops and assignment deadlines which I work towards. I have regular meetings with a Learning Coach to support me in my studies.

The support at UBS is great! I have a Line Manager with whom I have regular 1 to 1 check-ins every 2 weeks. In these meetings we discuss my day to day workload, my studies and also my goals/career ambitions. I also have 2 mentors who support me with my goal setting and long term ambitions. These relationships tend to be driven by the apprentice. There are also HR Program Managers who oversee the way the full program runs. They are always available to talk about any concerns e.g. relating to exam pressures and signpost apprentices to helpful resources/advice.

My training provider hold Tutor Support sessions to guide apprentices through the academic content of the course. They also hold Apprenticeship Live sessions which support apprentices in the preparation for our 'End Point Assessment' that concludes the program. I also have a Learning Coach who I meet with regularly to discuss how I'm progressing in my role and to seek areas for further improvement. The training providers work closely with my line manager to ensure I am getting the most out of the apprenticeship and my rotations.

A lot of the theoretical concepts I learn through my training provider may not translate directly into practice within my daily work, but it definitely supports with understanding the reasons why certain policies / procedures are in place. For example, HR legislation is a unit in my apprenticeship which has helped me to understand why UBS must follow certain protocols.

UBS has a plethora of Employee Networks which encourage collaboration and cross-business networking. An example includes our Pride network and Cultural Awareness Network. These also support diversity and inclusion creating a positive working culture. We also have an Apprentice Network, which I am currently involved in. We put on many events to support Apprentices with networking, professional skills and understanding the financial world around us. We also have sport teams. All employees are given 2 days a year to support volunteering projects. I've volunteered at local community parks, career fairs and will be supporting on an environmental project this summer.

Yes

UBS is a successful and prestigious financial company. It has many opportunities and is a fantastic place for young professionals to begin their career. As an Apprentice you are supported by seasoned professionals from the day you start. It is also inclusive and has a great collaborative culture. As an Apprentice, you join with a large cohort of other Apprentices - I have made some amazing friendships through the program which is another huge pro of UBS and the program!

Research the company! The main thing employers are looking for in Apprentices is someone who is passionate, motivated and willing to learn. Apprenticeships are definitely not the easy route - they are competitive so to make sure you stand out, you should research the company (beyond just the website!) and have clear examples of how you can demonstrate UBS values/principles - i.e. why you would make a good fit! Also keep up to date with financial news! When interviewing for a job/apprenticeship, it is also your opportunity to interview the company - make sure you ask the questions that would help you decide whether UBS is somewhere you would want to work as well! Other than this, go for it!