Apprentice HR Assistant

I decided to make the big decision of leaving sixth form and decided that I wanted to venture into the workplace and preferably HR. After doing lots of re-search online and getting lots of advice from my parents I decided that an apprenticeship would be the best route to take. This would mean that I would gain a qualification and would be learning life skills within the workplace that a classroom wouldn’t be able to teach me. I visited many colleges and had a look online at apprenticeships and when I found one I liked I would apply. I wanted to make a link between academic learning and skill based learning.

When I made the decision to do an apprenticeship I knew I wanted to go with a well-known and successful brand. This is because I felt I would get the most experience from my time there and I would experience working in a fast paced and high achieving business.

I have always shopped in Superdrug and felt working somewhere you shop yourself is so important. I knew straight away when I saw the job being advertised that I wanted to apply. I did lots of re-search on the business, its background, success and Head Office (as that’s where I would be based) I was very impressed and was delighted to be offered an interview. I was smitten with Superdrug from this point on. Luckily they thought the same too and I was offered the job!

Being an Apprentice means your day to day often varies depending on the needs of the business. I have loved working in Head Office as every day is different. As an Apprentice you are doing a variety of tasks. I have gained knowledge and experience in Excel and have learnt the art of prioritising.

As an apprentice you are given allocated time agreed with your line manager in which you should work through and complete your qualification This time is used for you to plan your answers, research and document your progress.

Since working as an apprentice I have also been to Dunstable for a HR conference, had award winning customer service training and experienced a shared services away day which involved clay pigeon shooting, presenting to the office, archery and duck herding with sheep dogs.

Being an Apprentice is a wonderful experience and each day you are learning, experiencing something new and growing as a person. Working for Superdrug is so rewarding. We are one big community who when we pull together can achieve some incredible things such as walking the distance of each and every Superdrug and Savers store door to door to raise money for Marie Curie and raising over £2,000 for them! The HR office has made me feel so welcome in my time at Superdrug and there is a really friendly atmosphere throughout the company.

My ultimate career goal would be HR Director for Superdrug and Savers. In the short time my career goals are to achieve my CIPD and to become a HRBP.

My Superdrug apprenticeship has allowed me to choose my future and has given me an insight into my dream career. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!