Early Careers Trainer Review

Providing designing and delivering learning and development for early talent colleagues including graduates apprentices and placement students. Analysis of learner needs and providing coaching and other support. The role can also include elements of project management and programme and learning content design as well as hosting inductions and graduation events.

I have development lots of knowledge around HR, data analytics, people practice and ethical standards. I learnt a lot around learning theories and principles and how to use this when designing learning content, I also expanded my knowledge of neurodiversity. I gained skills and knowledge in the use of technology for learning and the different roles within learning and development.

I enjoyed the activities on the programme, but would have like more seminar style or classroom based sessions as opposed to most online learning. I feel the programme could cater more to other learning styles and provide more guidance on what is expected from learners. I enjoyed the theory side of things and exploring and expanding my HR knowledge the CIPD assignments were fun to do, as I enjoyed the wider reading and research. The gateway and EPA process was not as smooth as I would have liked and this period was not enjoyable for me.

I like the flexibility of the programme as I was able to move modules around to suit my work this made it easier to meet the KSB's and made it a more positive experience where I could easily balance my studies and work. I think that more 1 to 1 EPA support and preparation could be given by skills coaches and I don't think it is effective to have both level 3 and level 5 on the same calls about EPA as it makes it confusing and also means you have to sit through information not relevant to you. To help learners better prepare for EPA more examples of what is expected could be given and conversations could be more clear and earlier in the programme to help shape how learners write their learning journal. I feel the EPA for learning and development practitioner is way to complex and thorough for a level 3 course. I personally had my skills coach switched at the point of gateway which was not a great experience and I did not really understand why and feel consistency for the learner should be prioritised and the skills coach should remain where possible. More consideration for those with anxiety or neurodiversity need to be taken into consideration when giving information and guidance on EPA as it seems its very dependent on the learner reading through pages of guidance documents which can leave knowledge gaps.

My manager and employer are always super supportive and give me everything I need to succeed, regularly checking in to see how I am doing and how they can help

The provider was mostly supportive however at times I had to ask multiple times for an answer to my questions or wait long periods of time for a response, this was during EPA/Gateway which ramped up my anxiety,

I can see a clear connection to the course content and my role and feel the apprenticeship helped me to explore different areas and expand my knowledge in HR. This also allowed me to obtain a CIPD membership meaning I will be able to continue my PDP to stay up to date with key themes and trends

Yes there are lots of things I can get involved in I.E volunteering, networking events, social clubs and ERG's. I also have the opportunity to attend the ISE development conference and any other relevant events or sessions through my employer

Yes

Experian is an amazing place to work. All colleagues are vibrant innovative and always willing and happy to help. The culture is inclusive and amazing and makes employees feel valued as humans not just bums on seats. Work life balance is also easy to achieve with this organisation as they offer flexibility and so many rewards and benefits to choose from.

Be yourself, showcase your skills and do your research