HR Apprentice Review

My role involves supporting the HR project management manager on a range of global HR project and initiatives supporting the continuous development of the HR function and of Leadership.

I have developed project management skills along with excel and technical skills. From shadowing Line HR tasks i have gained a good understanding of the role of the HR function and all the tasks involved.

I really enjoy my program, HR is a very interesting subject and I love that each day is different and new tasks/projects arise. my colleagues and manager are really friendly and supportive.

From the business perspective very well-organized. I am well supported by the business and I have access to plenty of resources and shadowing experiences. From the college perspective, it at times can be unorganized and I experienced a number of changes in tutors and the EPA process was not supported well by tutors.

The business provides outstanding support to apprentices, we are given lots of opportunities to shadow and gain experience alongside qualified HR professionals.

There was some support provided however I found most of the time I had to find information out for myself. We had a number of tutor changes throughout the course and the assessor was new to the role and therefore the KSB and EPA process was not explained very clearly at times. This has since improved since I have begun the Level 5 course and the tutor is very good and supportive, she takes the time to review and suggest improvements on assignments and regularly checks in on progress in portfolio evidence and 20% off the job learning.

I feel like the level 3 qualification gave me a good foundational understanding of how to perform my role. However, I feel personally that the level 5 qualification I am currently completing is going to be much more beneficial in helping me to perform my role better and to a higher standard.

I am an active member of the Europe Pride employee resource group. This has been a great way of networking outside of HR function and I help to support lots of projects and training for LGBT+ employees in the workplace.

Yes

Cummins is a very reputable organization. The workplace culture is outstanding no matter who you approach or how senior they are, people are always willing to help and offer advice. The HR function is amazing and colleagues will always support and offer opportunities to gain new experience. The leadership culture is also outstanding and it's amazing that more senior leaders will interact with apprentices and offer expertise and guidance.

I would tell people to jump at the chance of securing an apprenticeship at Cummins and if you are to be successful ensure you give it 110% throughout the duration, network and get to know as many people as you can and be open to learning as much as possible. I would also advise new starters to come to the office for more of the week than work from home, you will struggle to build good networks and relationships from being at home. Being in the office allows many opportunities to get involved in the community and meet new people and get recognized by others. This will allow you to build a good reputation going forward and will give you many examples to discuss in internal job interviews.