HR Apprentice Review

- Delivered HR Solutions to the business that influenced leaders to adopt appropriate solutions. - Supporting the data specialist with weekly, monthly and annual reporting on people analytics. - Designing and producing ad hoc projects to improve way of working and HR Processes. - Presenting HR Induction to new starters. - Ad hoc queries relating to Job cards and structures within the business. - Building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Developed my ability to be able to speak in public with confidence. Presentation skills have developed, by creating presentations that are better suited for specific audience. Learnt new skills on excel and how to use more complex formula to target an outcome. As well as using Pivot tables/Graphs to outline trends in data. Increased confidence in ability to carry out a project and delegate tasks.

I really enjoyed my time within the Planning and Steering team and wider HR team at BMW Group UK. The team really helped build my confidence as an individual, I came from a working background but I was still able to build my skills and learn new ways or working. The team are really good at encouraging you to do well and providing you with all the opportunities you need to complete the apprenticeship and or essays. I have managed to participate in business projects as well as lead my own.

Due to the apprenticeship being the first one the department had, it was planned and organised really well. I was able to build my knowledge up at the beginning without feeling too much pressure, when I then became more confident within the role, the team provided me with more opportunities so I was able to have daily tasks that I could complete independently. I really felt like a vital part of the team and that I could comfortably contribute to the role as well as complete my apprenticeship work when needed. My Line manager was very understanding of the essays I needed to complete, and knew of my timelines and when not to overwhelm. My only criticism is that I was not able to work within other parts of the team which would have given me a more rounded experience and improved my grade (there would not have been any gaps).

I received countless of support from my colleagues, they gave me extra time to complete my essays, were flexible with me when I needed time to work on apprenticeship work. When struggling on some essay subjects, the team would support with providing me business examples. My line manager was really good at making sure I was ok and had enough work/experience to relate my essays to the role, they went out of their way to provide me with opportunities.

Due to the apprenticeship being a degree level the support is more aligned with how it is going to university. The subject will be taught but you will have to go and complete your own research to understand more. The support I was given for my end point assessment was really good. My trainer would meet with me whenever I needed the support and marked a few or more draft essays so that I knew what I needed to do to improve my grade.

The level 5 CIPD helped me to understand the foundations and details of human resources and the different resources out there that can help when introducing something like a project into the organisation. The course helped me to understand valuable research and how with good research it enables us to complete a better rounded project. Without completing the level 5 I dont think I would feel as confident in my knowledge of HR which I needed for the role I was in. It helped me to understand the importance of the people within the organisation and the different internal and external factors that impact that.

When joining BMW they were not long out of lock down, so groups like this would have not been around. Since joining however the network groups are looking into building more of these groups and the social aspect of the office. I have managed to go on a few nights out with my team and build relationships, I also took part in courses which helped build relationships with other employees around the organisation.

Yes

There are so many ways to grow within BMW, you are able to move horizontally in the organisation as well as take part in expat assignments out of the UK. BMW want you to do well they are a really great supporter of their employees. BMW are always ahead of the game with their inclusion and diversity topics, there are a variety of networking channels available and with the partnerships BMW hold, loads of opportunities to go to exciting events. BMW work as one team and everyone pretty much states they are proud to work here.

Be authentic, BMW are all about getting personal with their employees, they like to know what motivates you in life. Do your research, BMW like to know that you have a understanding of the organisation, and they like to know how you would fit into their environment. Be adaptable, BMW is always constantly changing, no day can be the same, you have to be able to change to the working environments. Transparency and openness, be honest with what you want to achieve whilst you're here, where you want to see yourself and BMW will try hardest to support you there. Get involved, there is so much going on, you should take full advantage of the wide range of networks.