Trainee HR Advisor Review

My role as a Trainee HR Advisor at Solent NHS Trust involves providing administration support to a team of HR Advisors and Consultants as well as answering day to day HR queries from staff across the Trust. I also minute formal meetings and look after the intranet and its resources.

I have learnt so many new skills, I had not previously worked in a HR or corporate environment so have developed a large amount such as time management, formal document producing, organisation, and engaging with key stakeholders across many levels. I have also gained so much confidence and am looking forward to a career in HR.

I really enjoy my programme because it is the theory behind my profession and day to day activities and experiences at work. I like being able to discuss organisational examples with other students working in different places and areas of HR, and I love when I learn about something and then see it in practice or mentioned at work.

My programme is well structured and the modules follow a logical order to support us with our assignments. The programme is well organised despite the challenges posed by Covid, we are still communicated with and provided with the information we need, sometimes information is harder to find and there is a little inconsistency across modules in terms of how information is communicated.

My employer, Solent NHS Trust, is hugely supportive. There is a dedicated apprenticeship team who go over and above to support us as apprentices throughout our whole journey, from support with our applications to checking in with us during our studies. They also do an amazing job of promoting apprenticeships within the Trust and celebrating the successes and value of apprentices.

I receive lots of support from my training provider during my programme. They provide us with lots of resources and are really good at signposting to further support. The tutors are very knowledgeable and always willing to help. My apprenticeship supervisor at Solent University is also really supportive, always willing to answer my questions, and understands the pressures we are under.

My qualification has massively helped me to perform better in my role, first and foremost I have so much more confidence in dealing with HR queries and questions. I have so much more knowledge about HR and this really helps me with my day-to-day duties. I have also been able to put some of what I have learnt into practice.

Solent NHS Trust provide so many things that we can get involved with both on a personal and professional level. I am given the opportunity to attend seminar events and training sessions provided free of charge. I also love the range of resource groups there are that are so welcoming and informative. Moreover there is a lot of wellbeing resources on offer and free classes and activities we can do.

Yes

The NHS, and Solent NHS Trust, is a great place to work because you feel valued and cared about as an individual. They really keep people at the centre and uphold their values in everything they do. Everyone is so friendly and there are so many different opportunities to develop.

I would advise people to really do their research on the organisation they are applying for so they understand what they do and their strategic vision. I also think its key that you know what their values are and demonstrate that your personal values align with them. In an interview always ask questions - especially about something to do with the organisation's vision, long term plan etc