HR Systems Support Apprentice Review

As a Systems support apprentice, daily tasks include: Integrations from the HR systems used and having the responsibility to fix these if failed, using the case service 'Dovetail' I interact with members of the HR matters team to ensure DLG employees are getting the answers they need in regards to their queries.

During my apprenticeship, I have developed my existing Microsoft skills such as excel and office - this has been through my work colleagues and the tasks set to me by my LD tutor. New skills have been learnt through using new programmes and systems that I haven't been exposed to previously. I have also had opportunities to go on courses to learn about different aspects of the new programmes and systems I have been exposed to.

I work in a very friendly team who are always willing to help when I have any issues with my day-to-day work and any confusion I have with any learn direct tasks that require double checking. There is an engagement team here at DLG that arrange different activities and sessions to get the HR floor together and interact with each other which is great for meeting new people.

I feel valued in my team and receive a good amount of feedback from my manager and colleagues in regards to my work and pace of resolving issues. I have had great involvement in the live version if expenses and now I'm having the opportunity to have more involvement in the recruitment programme on Workday. However, I feel as if the further HR do not appreciate my input as much as they always appear to try and get a second opinion of my colleagues or second guess my answers...

The induction was great as I didn't start at the same time as the other apprentices so I didn't have to do any ice-breaker or any other uncomfortable activities so I got to meet the others in my own time without it being forced. I have received adequate training from my mentor and she visits regularly to keep track of my progress with the IT course. As I am the first apprentice that systems support has had, the structure within the office is brand new to them and they are testing the different ways of how to deal the best with an apprentice.

My LD tutor is always on hand via email or phone to help me with any queries that I may have regarding my work. She is very flexible in regards to visits and is understanding when I have internal DLG training and have to let her know at last minute.

I have a 1-2-1 with my manager every month along with a team meeting where support is offered with any issues that may arise during the day-to-day tasks within support. The support mentor within the team is fantastic and nothing is too much hassle for her, however, other members of the team who have more experience are less willing to help which is an issue for the rest of the team in general not just myself.

As I still live with my parents so living costs aren't an issue just yet. Travel costs are expensive but there is a season ticket loan that is available once I have finished my probation in May. There are no daily costs as I bring lunch from home... Social costs are high as I live a high maintenance life style. Leeds is an expensive city but I knew where the job was based when I applied so I can't complain.

There is a lack of company events and activities unless organised by the systems team for the systems team. There is a lack of opportunities for the apprentices to get together and socialise. Outside the company there are loads of opportunities in Leeds itself to socialise and go to different clubs to meet new people.

Yes

DLG is a very laid back place to work. Everybody is very friendly, welcoming and they make you feel at home. Rules and values are set out clearly and employees are kept up to date by regular bulletins directly through email and the intranet with news and announcements that may affect us.

Research their 'values' a lot. They like to hear about these in the telephone and face-to-face interview as the questions will be based around these and they will know how much you have researched and thought about them. Research the job role and know what it entails. Put your details such as address in properly when applying as when you don't it causes integrations to fail (if you're employed) which is a massive issue.