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 services 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 and also learned new ones in networking, coding and cloud devices. 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.

The level 3 has been a great learning experience and finally learning transferable skills for the future. I thoroughly enjoyed the classroom element of the course and having monthly visits from the QA skills coach to build up my portfolio and think of things to include which could apply to the course too.

Not the best organised. I had to wait 3 months after my start date to do my level 2 (which I already had) and then 6 months between my level 2 and 3. This was due to bad communication. Structured well by QA though with regular training courses and mark schemes.

My manager is very supportive with my studies and we have regular 1-2-1s every month. However, unlike other apprentices in HR I have not received any study days which is making the process of finishing my portfolio for my apprenticeship quite difficult due to workload demands and training new team members.

My QA skills coach is always on hand via email or phone to help me with any queries that I may have regarding my work and is very prompt when I do get in contact. He is always there to give me a little push if I'm falling behind schedule which is needed.

The level 3 has not really helped a great deal with my job as it has been a technicians apprenticeship and not a HR systems apprenticeship but it will greatly help in the future if I choose to move as it has broadened which jobs I can consider applying for.

There is a lack of company events and activities unless organised by the systems team for the systems team. Only around Christmas is there any social activities. We do not have sports teams, or professional networking events. There my be others at Direct Line but none in the HR dept.

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.

You'll need to 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 in detail.