GetMyFirstJob Ambassador
Hello, I Am Olivia
April 2022 Ambassador of the Month
Apply for roles you think you’ll enjoy and if you’re undecided between two opportunities, try listing out the pros and cons for each, it can help make your final decision!
Tell us more about your experience
I’m in the early stages of my 21-month apprenticeship. As an HR apprentice, I go through 3 rotations in 3 different areas: in a department advising managers (Manager’s Advice Service), a department answering employee questions (HR Support Desk), and in a recruitment department (HR Resourcing). I started in the department that advises managers – they come to us about HR-related matters, such as policies, employment laws, and case advice. I shadow and support my Line Manager who is an HR Consultant.
On a day-to-day basis, I complete a variety of tasks including, inputting HR cases into our system, shadowing, and supporting my Line Manager in meetings, as well as assisting my colleagues when necessary. This can involve collating absence statistics and checking whether employees are eligible for promotions. It’s so interesting to work on the variety of cases we deal with, though some sensitive topics can be tough sometimes. There’s so much more to HR than I initially thought!
“So far, I’m really enjoying being part of the team! I feel valued and that my contributions are helping.”
I haven’t been an apprentice for very long, but the most exciting project I’ve experienced so far was creating the 2022 Health and Wellbeing Calendar. It was particularly interesting to research the diverse events that happen each year, many that I’d never heard of before. The information I provided will be rolled out to everyone in the company and used on our intranet page!
My proudest moment so far has been seeing my company’s values come to the forefront. Recently, I attended our annual awards night which celebrated the achievements of our employees both professionally and personally! It made me so proud to work for an organisation where people feel valued, and their achievements recognised. I can’t wait to attend next year’s event!
During Sixth Form, I was undecided on whether to follow the traditional career path of going to university or pursuing the less conventional route of an apprenticeship. As a result, I applied for both so that I could keep my options open. It wasn’t until the end of Year 13 I decided the apprenticeship option was better for me. I wanted to work in Human Resources, and a university degree wasn’t essential for me to achieve this.
“I could have studied HR at uni, but I didn’t want the debt or uncertainty around securing a good role afterward.”
My apprenticeship gives me the opportunity to learn on the job and study towards an accredited qualification, all while earning a salary. You really do get the best of both worlds! When I saw the role advertised for an HR apprentice with the Civil Service, I just knew it was the right opportunity for me.
In Sixth Form, everything was university focussed which made it tricky when it came to applying to apprenticeships as there was very little information and support available. My words of advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship would be to do plenty of research beforehand. You should make sure to check out the company and role you’re thinking of applying to. Please don’t be disheartened if an interview doesn’t go well – you can learn as you go! Apply for roles you think you’ll enjoy and if you’re undecided between two opportunities, try listing out the pros and cons for each, it can help make your final decision.
My employer provides loads of online and face-to-face support. When I started my apprenticeship, I completed loads of online induction courses which gave me a broader understanding of my company and Human Resources in general. I attend weekly catch-up meetings with my manager, who is also my mentor, to plan for the following week. It’s also the perfect opportunity to ask any questions I have.
My performance is discussed on a monthly basis, and my employer is so supportive with flexible working – it’s so useful to allow for busy or quiet periods. At the end of my apprenticeship, I can see myself staying at the company and progressing into an HR Advisor role, as well as studying towards my Level 5 CIPD qualification. I aspire to become an HR Manager in five years.
Interested in becoming an ambassador? Find out more!