Human Resources Higher Apprenticeship Review

I am currently on rotation in HR Operations providing HR support to the functions. I deal with various HR queries, coordinate the appointment process for successful candidates and support in various capability investigations, including grievances and disciplinary. I also monitor key metrics for my accounts including sickness, absence frequencies and holiday quota balances.

I have learnt new and developed many skills. The main skill I have developed is communication, the role has allowed me to strengthen my communication skills not only through direct verbal communication, but active listening and clear writing as well. I have also learnt a new skill, coaching, the role has given me the opportunity to develop this skill through working with employees to set goals, listen to concerns and work together to find resolutions and use the right methods to evaluate and track progress.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship at Tata Steel. Everyone understands the mission and vision of the company and works together to create results. This also reflects in the good working environment and morale across the department. Everyone is always willing to support one another and assist in your professional growth.

My programme is very well structured. The apprenticeship is two years long, and this time is spent on rotation across 4 departments of the Human Resources function, spending six months in each. In each rotation I have had a training plan to keep track of what I want and need to learn in my time in the department and how I will gain experience of dealing with different issues/processes.

I receive a lot of support from everyone in the function. When completing my college courses I have had to gain experience and write reports on different areas of the HR function that I haven't yet had the chance to work within. My line managers have always supported me in providing opportunities and helping to expand my network to gain the knowledge and information required.

ALS have providing me with a lot of support. I have monthly catch-ups with my assessor and often email her in between these sessions with any questions or to ask for advice and feedback on a piece of work. ALS have also set up online workshops so we can still collaborate with other learners during the pandemic.

My qualification has help to set the foundations of my role massively. As a school leaver I didn't have much experience or knowledge of human resources, but, the qualification has given me an insight into the main areas and activities of human resources. It has prompted me to research into other companies and different approaches to different activities.

During my first rotation I took part in many social activities outside of the workplace which allowed me to get to know my colleagues out of the workplace. This helped me to form good friendships with my colleagues. Unfortunately, my other rotations have been during the pandemic and so these activities are hard to come by. However, we do ensure we catch up as a team at least once a week.

Yes

Tata Steel is a great place to work. It has provided me with the opportunity to develop in my career and decide which area of human resources I would like to work within in the future. The company has also allowed me to learn on the job while completing a qualification which I feel is a very effective means of learning.

I would advise anyone considering applying for a job in Tata Steel to research the business beforehand and get to know what the company does and where it operates. This will help when you start working in the business as you would have some understanding of the process and how it works, as ultimately any role within the business supports a section of the steel-making process.