My Apprentice job summed up

I’m an HR Apprentice Advisor in the Human Resources Advisory team of Atos. My role is challenging and varied as it entails offering support to managers on a variety of HR areas such as, Performance Management, Sickness Absence Management, Health and Safety and contractual queries as a few examples. I support and advise on the HR Advice line which provides first line support to managers, employees and occasionally customers of Atos. Such queries could be to advise on policy and procedure which provides a stimulating and rewarding environment allowing me to develop my understanding of all areas of HR.

What impact do you feel you’ve had since joining?

I believe I have made a major impact in my role by utilising my interpersonal skills, also my ability to remain focussed on advising on policies whilst ensuring the employees’ needs are foremost throughout the process.

I have an enquiring mind which has allowed me to discuss and suggest improvements to new initiatives with my line manager. My research skills provided me with a platform to develop policies for the part of our business based in Ireland, to ensure policies were aligned with both Irish employment legislation and with Atos UK policies. This enabled me to increase and widen my knowledge of current Employment Law and provide up to date policies for our Ireland business.

What have you learned since starting your apprenticeship?

Whilst learning the practical, hands on side of the role, I am also undertaking studies with our accredited apprenticeship provider which equips me with the technical side of things such as current Employment Law, Recognition and Reward strategies and how to collect and utilise HR Data. With the support of a dedicated tutor, I will work to gain Level 3 accreditation of the CIPD which overall will give me the technical skills to progress to a confident HR Generalist.

Personally, the change from Sixth Form to an office environment was dramatic as the boundaries differ greatly. Within the workplace I have found it to be a real team effort and have learned how my work can impact both colleagues and the wider business. This has impacted positively on my confidence and resilience to ensure that every aspect of my role is carried out to the best of my ability. I have also developed independence, although if I am unsure, there is lots of support on hand from my immediate and wider team, so I can use their knowledge and experience to develop myself as an HR professional.