Abbie, Human Resources

What is your role?

I work in the Human Resources (HR) team as a HR Apprentice.

When did you start here?

In September 2019 and I am due to complete in October 2021.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

Ever since I was little, I was a people person and during my school years I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left. I had the opportunity to do work experience in HR with the council in October 2018 and I was lucky enough to be offered an apprenticeship. Even though I only did work experience for two weeks I felt like it was home away from home and I enjoyed all the jobs the team gave me.

Did you come with GCSEs or A Levels?

Yes, I joined the council with six GCSEs including English and maths.

Did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to do?

As I mentioned before during school, I had no idea what I wanted to do whether that was A levels or college but now I am doing my apprenticeship I know this was the best option for me.

Why did you decide to work here?

Because my dad worked for West Suffolk Council for almost 10 years and he explained what HR was and it really interested me, so I decided to do my two weeks work experience.

What did you know about the council before you joined and what have you learnt about it so far?

Before starting here, even during my work experience, I didn’t know much at all about what they do, the different services they provide or how anything worked because I had never worked for such a big organisation before. Now, working at the council for some time I am now much more aware of what the council does and what they do to help internal and external people with their services.

What apprenticeship are you undertaking, and do you have future plans?

I am doing the HR Level 3 apprenticeship and once my apprenticeship is finished, I would love to stay on at within the HR team but if an opportunity doesn’t come up for me, I would love to carry on in the HR world elsewhere.

What do you enjoy about working here?

I love that West Suffolk is a very supportive organisation and they will try and help when you need. One of the highlights of my apprenticeship so far is being able to visit the Houses of Parliament with the apprentices and UNISON.

Apart from your apprenticeship, have you had other opportunities to learn and develop, job-shadow or to be involved in different projects?

 

I can expand my knowledge with the learning events the Learning and Development team offer which I find really useful. I also love getting involved with the payroll work within the team as I find this super interesting. We can also do work experience in different departments which appeals to me a lot as I would love to see how other services work.

What advice would you give to future applicants?

Not to worry and if you have any problems or worries then do speak to someone about them.