Talent and Careers Officer Review

Responsible for supporting the administrative best practice of the Talent and Careers Team, working alongside apprentices, interns, work experience students and hiring managers. Working within the Talent and Careers Team, as part of the People Directorate, I had the responsibility of supporting, administrating and taking partial ownership of our talent development programmes. In line with team objectives, I commanded a vital role in the growth of our apprenticeship internal internship programmes. As an apprentice I acted as an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society both internally and externally, to illustrate the fundamental importance and impact of apprentices within the charity sector.

Since becoming an apprentice, I have developed a versatile set of business and administration skills spanning legalities, finance and stakeholder management. My apprenticeship has enabled me to develop the learning behind the theory and implement the practice within my workplace. The refinement of these skills has been instrumental in not only my role as Talent and Careers Co-Ordinator, but also beyond this as an advocate for apprenticeships. I have also developed a greater understanding of data analysis and evaluation, applying new found learnings to my work to improve the best practice of the team and organisation.

I really enjoyed my apprenticeship programme as it provided me with my first step into the working world, gaining workplace experience while completing a nationally recognised qualification. I have had the opportunity to attend workplace events, external conferences and meet with our CEO, all while being an apprentice. Alongside this, I have built a close relationship with colleagues across all ages and seniority levels, developing my communication and people skills, and embodying why the culture of the organisation makes it a fantastic place to start your career.

Throughout my programme I had monthly live workshops, which were delivered by the provider and then learning assessed via an assignment each month. The assignments proved beneficial to really consolidate my learning, and resources from the workshops were made available to review learnings after the live session. However, feedback and marking on assignments from the provider was often delayed, or lacking in detail.

My apprenticeship programme was well-structured with the support that I received from my employer. Although my apprenticeship experience was slightly dampened by the lack of support received at End Point Assessment from my provider and EPA organisation, the support that I received from my employer truly made up for that. Throughout my apprenticeship I had regular contact with the Talent and Careers Specialist, who held quarterly insight meetings to gain feedback and understanding of my experience. Alongside this, when I faced challenges with assessment at EPA, my employer truly championed my experience, raising concerns and feedback with the provider in order to ensure a fair assessment. I had the opportunity for 121 support throughout, and the development of a Peer Apprentice Support Group, led by the Talent and Careers Specialist, connected all apprentices across the organisation to share their experiences.

Although I received some support from my training provider while I was on programme through development coach meetings every 6-8 weeks, I felt that there was a lack in support as I approached my End Point Assessment. I was due to have 2 EPA preparation workshops in the leadup to my gateway period, however, these were cancelled and never re-arranged due to my tutor leaving the organisation. Alongside this, the provider was unable to answer questions about my EPA during preparation, and failed to follow up feedback with the EPA Organisation after I had a disappointing assessment/feedback process.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have grown in confidence and ability, exercising my excellent communication skills to build relationships with colleagues and stakeholders to champion apprenticeships and talent development programmes both internally and externally at Alzheimer’s Society. My role was designed as an administrative support, however, through my tenacity to continuously learn this has evolved into much more. I have been instrumental in building relationships with external stakeholders through leading on supporting the Society’s first internship programme, in partnership with the 10,000 Interns Foundation, and designing a bespoke work experience programme for aspiring charity sector students in partnership with EY Foundation. Since completing my apprenticeship, I have recently progressed to the role of Talent and Careers Officer, and I am exploring continuing my professional development through a Level 6 Project Management degree apprenticeship.

Although the organisation is primarily remote working, and hence may provide a challenge to have extra-curricular activities, the Society has made sure that connection is not lost through working from home. There is an extensive range of lived experience networks and support groups for colleagues to get involved with ranging from EDIB, to wellbeing and menopause. These groups provide a safe space for like-minded individuals to connect and share experiences. Alongside this, we are actively encouraged to attend the wide range of volunteering events that take place across the year ranging from memory walk to Trek26, and these provide the opportunity for colleagues to connect outside of work while volunteering their time. Depending on location, there are also local sports teams who play netball and football, alongside a social network spanning groups focused on photography, pets and crafting. Colleagues also have the opportunity to attend external professional networking events such as the CIPD conference.

Yes

The Society is a truly fantastic place to work, with a supportive, engaging and driven culture at its heart. Our culture of inclusion seeks more voices to increase diversity of thought and opinion, while our people are honest and kind, clear on expectations and supportive when having difficult conversations. As someone who was new to the world of work, my experience at the Society has been truly rewarding supporting me to develop both personally and professionally, whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification.

If I had to give any advice to others applying I would say to be yourself, be open to building connections and have patience with knowing that working online does differ from working in-person, however, the support and engagement that you receive from your team will ensure you are connected to those you work with. Also do your research whether it be by looking on our website, volunteering at one of our events or fundraising for us, we want to know what it is about the Society that has made you apply.