Suzanne’s Apprenticeship Journey

My name is Suzanne and I work as a Workforce Analyst at Norfolk County Council. I’ve just completed the Level 5 HR Consultant/Partner apprenticeship.

 

        What does your role involve?

My current role involves working with people data across the council. I use it to develop dashboards, reporting and insights on the council’s workforce. This includes areas such as recruitment activity, sickness levels, demographic information and workforce modelling. I work with HR and Service Managers to support them in the use of this information to make informed business decisions.

 

        What was the apprenticeship process like?

The apprenticeship has been really enjoyable, although a lot of hard work. The Level 5 HR CIPD modules were really useful and helped improve my knowledge in key areas such as employment law. The apprenticeship itself has been quite different from learning I’ve done previously, with a lot of focus on evidencing your learning and development through your day to day role. Blue Sky were really helpful in taking me through the process. Kate was brilliant in providing regular support and direction and keeping me going when it felt hard!

 

        What is the best thing you’ve learnt?

The apprenticeship has given me a much better understanding and knowledge of HR as a whole. It’s made me more confident in providing advice and guidance to managers and really enthused me on how HR developments and innovation can support organisations. I hope I can bring that back to my day to day role.

 

        What are you most proud about?

The past two years have been a really busy time for me. I’m a mum to three children, have done four different roles during the period and finished the apprenticeship during the chaos of a world-wide pandemic! I feel really proud to have completed it and to finish with a move into a new role that I really love.

 

        What would your advice be for those considering an apprenticeship?

I would recommend the apprenticeship to anyone as it’s a really good way of developing your knowledge and experience and challenging yourself in your role. You need to be prepared to put in lots of time and effort and need to have a supportive manager and organisation so that you are given the time and opportunities to develop your experience and knowledge.

                    

        What are your next learning steps?

As I’ve just moved into a new role in a really exciting field of HR, I’m looking to learn and develop my skills and knowledge in people analytics.

 

Thank you to everyone at Blue Sky for all your support during the apprenticeship. Jane, Kate and everyone else I’ve dealt with have been so encouraging and helpful and it’s made a big difference.

Suzanne
Norfolk County Council

Published 13/11/2020 & Filed in Blue Sky Blog