HR Apprentice Review

My role is a HR apprentice and I've started my first rotation in Learning and Talent. This involved organising training for Fleet and dealing with external suppliers. I also made presentations for senior leaders on how well our programmes were doing in terms of attendance. These would be courses such as Connected Leaders, Unconscious Bias and Management Essentials.

I've attended a few programmes internally such as Management Essentials (what it takes to be a good manager) and an Unconscious Bias drama workshop which taught be a lot about biases. This will be helpful when dealing with my next rotation which is partly solutions architect under Leadership but also helping with the apprentice and graduate programme. I have learnt patience when dealing with my study provider and also determination for completing harder tasks.

The team is really lovely and supportive and everyone around you is willing to help. The work being given to me is a of a good standard and I feel as though I am being challenged, although sometimes I am given work which is not wanting to be done by someone else in the team. I do enjoy the day to day job side of the apprentice but do not enjoy completing the assignments - not because it involves research and studying but because we never get sufficient feedback from the provider having completed our essays.

We do feel valued and as apprentices we are constantly reminded that we are the new faces of the company. It has been mentioned by many MD's in interviews and even by the CEO who has taken time to sit down with us in a round session and get to know us. We get recognition through ecards sent by someone who feels we have done good work which is always nice to read.

The induction process was long and carried out over a series of months without very much contact. The training has been good and I've had loads of different projects to get involved in so never really felt bored. We get 20% of our time for studying and we get support with this from our team. For the future, I would recommend it's mapped out regarding what each person is doing. From where the apprentice is starting to where they are ending and what skills they have developed along the way. We weren't aware of our next rotations until a week before we started and felt a bit lost until we knew.

We have had a lot of trouble with our training provider which our apprentice and graduate scheme manager within BT has been trying to resolve. We have tried dealing with matters through her and on our own but there doesn't seem to be a lot being done. They are unorganised and don't provide any feedback to help us develop. When we need support and we email them they are very unresponsive. There is only one lady who is the head of the programme who we rely on for everything.

We have two managers as part of our specific programme: a rotation manager and a line manager. The line manager is your constant over the 3 years and she's been really supportive and has been there for me when I need something. My rotation manager always lends a helping hand and has been patient with me during my first 7 months of learning. I couldn't have asked to start my programme in a better scheme and the general attitude of the HR team makes this a great place to work.

The travel costs are a huge burden which it would be for anyone travelling into London over ground. I don't pay living costs which takes a huge weight off my shoulders but combining daily costs such as food and clothes as well as social costs it makes it difficult to put any money into savings to eventually be able to live on my own.

There are a few opportunities and I have helped with Children in Need in Leicester as a volunteering event. There is a team treasure hunt this week which should bring out the competitive side of the team but also bring everyone together and demonstrate team work. There are lots of other opportunities which I'm hoping to get involved in this year.

Yes

They provide a good programme which sets your career up for you. There is a lot of support and you always feel welcome.

The application process does take a while but get your foot in the door early. There is a video interview where you should make sure you fully understand the company you're applying for and why. The assessment days are fun and overnight but I would look for the people that are going to be based in your building so you can begin to build your network with those local to you. The on boarding process from there is quite quick and the opportunities from there are endless.