HR Advisory Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis, I review absence reports, attend meeting and note take in formal meetings such as disciplinary investigation and formal absence review meetings. Beyond that, I shadow other HR Advisors on their case work, contribute to professional discussions, and attend grading panels for the jobs we have coming in to the organisation. I have also helped lead a few initiatives within my organisation, including policy reviews and community of practise sessions, which are a collaborative session held to ensure we are all using the policies in the same way.

I have developed my typing and IT literacy skills, as well as my communication skills. The role has allowed me to develop professional/working relationships and deepen my knowledge on all things employment relations based. I would also say that my self confidence has improved throughout my time, as I have to communicate with colleagues of all levels, and I have had to trust the quality of my own work.

I enjoy the research that I have to do for my assignments, however I do not enjoy the teaching style practised. I also do not enjoy the assignments as the questions are often hard to understand, and the workshops often do not cover what we need to be able to complete the assignments.

The programme is well organised to a certain extent- the programme has a plan for up to a year in advance, with a scheduled timeline of when the workshops/assignment due dates on. However, the trainers often say contradictory things in terms of dates and how they would like us to format our assignments.

I receive a very high amount of support from my employer. Throughout the issues I have faced in both my work and personal life, my employer has always been able to offer support and allow me to take time out so I can improve the way I am feeling. I am also constantly given opportunities that allow me to develop.

I believe that there is support, however the main source of support seems to be from the progress reviews, which are roughly every 10 weeks. I do not tend to need the support from my programme provider as I use the support that is offered by my employer more often.

Overall, I am not too sure whether my programme has any implications on my performance within my role. The things covered within the programme do not tend to relate to my role, and those things that do are on such a high level that it would not improve performance; if anything, I believe it is the other way around.

There are many activities that my employer provides. For example, there are Warwickshire sports clubs, that offer services for WCC employees only, as well as different social media events. Furthermore, they offer in person training days so you are able to meet people from across the organisation, as well as tours/open days.

Yes

WCC is a highly supportive employer with great development opportunities. Working in HR means I get to see the amount of work goes into supporting our staff, a well as how employees are viewed and valued from a management's perspective. Although the pay is not very competitive, it is a great working culture and a good stepping stone into toher larger jobs and organisations.

Just be your authentic self; the council strives to have a diverse working culture, and prioritises the personality over qualifications. There are plenty of areas to develop in during your time, so just go for it and be keen to learn and develop. Also, remember that it is a council, so be sure to remember your passion for supporting people, including the wider public of the county.