Jodie’s HR Apprenticeship Journey
I’m Jodie and I’m an HR Administrator at CVS UK Ltd, a corporate veterinary company which I have worked at for 5 years. I started my apprenticeship in October 2018 and finished in October 2020.
What does your role involve?
My main duties include creating contracts of employment and other employment paperwork, tracking and reporting, maintaining the HR system, answering employee queries with regards to policy and procedure and I deliver training on systems and to First Aiders for Mental Health.
What was the apprenticeship process like?
The apprenticeship process is well structured and it is clear what you need to do on both a long term and short term basis from the start of the programme. At times it was challenging to keep on top of both the apprenticeship requirements whilst carrying out a busy working role but the support provided by Blue Sky was brilliant and Jane and Kate kept me going and helped me to believe in my ability.
What is the best thing you’ve learnt?
The CIPD Level 5 modules were intense but very useful in improving my HR knowledge and understanding. I also really enjoyed the quarterly meetings, having exposure to HR methodology and finding out about other learners and the businesses they work for as HR varies greatly in different organisations.
What are you most proud about?
I’m most proud about being awarded a distinction as I didn’t ever think I would ever achieve that level in this qualification. It has given me self-confidence in my ability especially due to the challenges we have all had to face this year and also managing a very busy time in my personal life. I’m also proud of my final project and glad I could contribute to the business in a way that will improve processes moving forward.
What would your advice be for those considering an apprenticeship?
My advice would be to ensure that your employer is fully aware of the commitment that is needed to undertake the apprenticeship as their support is required to allow you the time to evidence your learning and development. As an individual you will need to be prepared for the amount of work that is required but I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who is committed to succeed and has a supportive manager and team.
What are your next learning steps?
My next steps will be to consolidate my level 5 learning in my current role, or a new role should the right opportunity become available. Once comfortable at this level I will potentially look at completing a level 7 HR qualification.
The past two years have flown by and the apprenticeship has been a very prevalent part of that. I’m so pleased I took the opportunity to complete the qualification and I genuinely do not think I could have done it without the support of the Blue Sky team, specifically Kate and Jane. The conversations with them have kept me going when it has been tough and I relied on Kate especially for her support right up to the end of the process when my situation had become difficult. I wish everyone at Blue Sky all the best for the future and I will certainly miss the contact with the team and cohort.
Published 05/03/2021 & Filed in Blue Sky Blog