Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular. Many individuals recognise the value of gaining hands-on experience, a fully funded qualification whilst having the opportunity to earn. However, it is important to highlight that apprenticeships are challenging – just like any other type of training. It can often require personal and social sacrifice when juggling aspects of work with the long hours required to study.
As a HR apprentice at Samsung Electronics UK, I have completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship in HR Support and have recently embarked on a Level 6 Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship. Here are some of my insights over questions that I am frequently asked!
Is it what you expected it to be?
Yes and no… When I applied to do an apprenticeship. I didn’t really know what I was getting into. I was expecting that I would probably be doing “intern duties” such as printing / shredding paperwork, data entry, taking meeting notes, etc.
The reality was very different. In my day-to-day role, there is a level of admin involved such as replying to around 20 emails a day, keeping employee data up to date on our benefit systems and attending regular team meetings. However, there are many more exciting things I have carried out such as organising benefit fairs and events, analysing data to propose a better company-wide recognition scheme, posting content on our intranet to increase engagement and utilisation of company benefits and attending networking evenings.
What are some skills have you developed?
At Samsung, we have a specific training programme for all Emerging Talent for the first two years for professional development. I’ve had several workshops to enhance my skills as a professional such as: presentations; the art of negotiation and influencing; project management; and adopting a growth mind set.
Along with formal learning at the workplace and my apprenticeship, I have also spent a lot of time self-learning Microsoft Excel to help me with my day to day role.
What is the course like? Do you have any tips?
The first time round, I probably under-estimated how long it would take for me to get used to studying alongside working and finding the right balance so it didn’t eat up every weekend when I had work and study deadlines at the same time.
Your learning provider should provide you with a course content and submission deadlines at the start – if not, I highly recommend you request for this. If you use Outlook, I would overlay your personal/university calendar over your work one so you can map out key dates for module starts or submission deadlines to keep track of important dates.
Block out your study days a few months in advance depending on whether you are day release or block release, and ensure you add this your team’s/manager’s diary so they know not to disturb you on these days. If you’ve blocked out a day to study, make sure you are dedicating this just for studying - it’s too easy to get carried away with “just one” call or email.
What is expected of me?
In most organisations, apprentices should be there to support the teams whilst having the opportunity to upskill and develop. The expectations will be different depending on the role you are in but whether you are at the beginning, middle or end of your apprenticeship, I highly recommend scheduling quarterly developmental 1-2-1s with your Line Manager. You should be setting goals at the start of every year where you can work with your manager to establish what it means to “meet” your goals and “exceed” your goals. Having regular, transparent conversations about your workload also ensures that you are able to manage expectations and notify your team if anything needs to be delegated.
I would also seek out for a mentor to help with your personal development journey, whether it is within your own company or from a professional network e.g. Association of Apprentices, CIPD, Apprentice Nation etc.
Keep track of any positive feedback so you can add this to your evaluations or mistakes you may have made to periodically reflect on for yourself. If you have capacity outside of your role, I would consider getting involved in other projects. For example, there may be employee resource groups or culture committees that you can become part of or take part in any volunteering activities that the company may offer. This is not only a great way to go beyond in your contributions, but it is an excellent way of networking with other colleagues in the industry.
