HR Apprentice Review

by Whitbread

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

As a HR apprentice, I complete rotations within different departments within the HR function. My role involves responsibilities in projects and BAU operations as well as shadowing key figures to understand their roles and contributions to the organisation.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have developed many new skills as a result of my position, especially as this is my first 'corporate' role. Communication, time management, maintaining stakeholder relationships and general organisational skills.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy my programme. I have a fellow apprenticeship on the programme alongside me which helps a lot as sharing experiences is incredibly valuable. Being able to learn alongside my role provides confidence in what I am doing.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is well organised and structured. We have three, three month placements and one six month placement organised so far, with one more six month placement to fill which we will have an input on nearer the time. Introductions and handovers have been seamless

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Whitbread provides so much support for me to complete my learning alongside my full time role. We have agreed that one day away will be dedicated to completing any apprenticeship related work and colleagues will not contact me during this time. They are understanding when I cannot commit to project due to upcoming assignment deadlines.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

One webinar & one skills day per module, including the online learning. Overall I would say this is effective, however I feel like the contact could be more frequent as it's easy to feel out of the loop.

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The modules are relevant to the role that I am in, and allows me to develop a greater understanding and context to the role.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

At Whitbread there are many 'extra-curricular' activities. We have 4 inclusion networks and professional development sessions.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Whitbread to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The culture is warm and welcoming. I feel as if I am valued and appreciated, people genuinely care about how you are and what you are doing. Career growth as part of the programme is an added bonus too!

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Whitbread?

Just be yourself, come prepared and be honest.