Programme Support Officer Review

Working within a HR team, I manage our Retail Apprenticeship programmes. This involves managing risks and issues to the programmes, liaising with our learning providers to make sure our colleagues have a great experience, liaising with our colleagues to make sure that their programmes run smoothly and they complete as expected.

The HR Apprenticeship is encouraging me to think more cross-functionally. Whilst I focus on Apprenticeships, it's important that I understand things like Diversity & Inclusion and Employment Law. As I plan my future in HR, understanding the wider business context and impacts will help me to be more strategic and see the bigger picture - which helps me with planning future programmes

It's still early days (I only formally started in December 2020) but I am enjoying the programme and the things I've learned. I had a good understanding of Apprenticeships due to my role so expectations have been met. There is a lot of support within my company for Apprentices too.

I think the programme is well organised. It would be nice to meet the tutor in person, but the virtual experience is good as it's meant that we can keep going through lockdowns

I receive a lot of support from my employer. My immediate team looks after Apprenticeships so a lot of support there, but I've found that colleagues who have previously completed this course have reached out to offer support. My biggest challenge is in building the 20% OTJ time into my week

As a Level 5 apprentice, the programme is more self-led but I think the training provider support is suitable. I haven't had any issues when I've reached out with questions and we have regular 121s which are planned in advance.

This qualification will definitely support me to perform better in this role and help me to prepare for the next role. It is helping me to consider things at a strategic level and to consider broader impacts.

I am part of our Women's network and an Inclusion Pioneer so lots of additional things to get involved in! CIPD and Arch also schedule lots of helpful webinars which I've found have supplemented my learning

Yes

It's a very people-focussed employer - from working in HR I can see the resources dedicated to looking after our People. There is a team of people dedicated to Apprenticeships, they're a key focus and we work hard to make sure that people are not just learning, but that they're having a great experience

You get out what you put in - the support is there for every colleague who wants to develop and grow. We're also bigger than you think - growth can be sideways as well as vertical so there are lots of opportunities.