HR Assistant Review
at University of Oxford
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Oxford
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
4.1 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
As a generalist HR Assistant, I carry out day to day administration, liaising with line managers and other teams, answering email queries, payroll changes, employee relations (e.g. maternity leave), probation, recruitment, induction, annual and sick leave, contract extensions, and other areas including ad hoc project work such as improving our section of the department website.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy my programme a lot - the combination of classes, on the job learning and regular meetings with the apprenticeship coordinator to review and set targets allows for really well-rounded development. I haven't worked outside of the University of Oxford much before, so working with classmates at other organisations also gives me an insight into HR in other sectors.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes, I started my role in September 2019 and started my apprenticeship in September 2020. My apprenticeship has allowed me to develop a wider knowledge of HR outside of my role and organisation and really focus on my own continuous professional development. I have learned a range of new skills such as how to conduct performance reviews and will be learning more, such as data analysis.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Well structured. At the start of the programme I was given a handbook which outlines the dates of each module, and given an overview of timelines. Occasionally I find myself asking for more information about future parts of the programme such as the end project but I like to plan ahead.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer is very supportive in general - when I approached my line manager asking to apply for an apprenticeship, my team was happy to support this both because it would benefit me as an individual but also strengthen my ability to carry out my job. I have regular one to ones with my line manager and daily catch ups with my team which make me feel supported at work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I feel well supported from my training provider - the meetings with the apprenticeship coordinator are very helpful for planning goals to focus in on and to review my ongoing progress. I haven't needed any additional support outside of my classes and this so far, as I feel well supported by my employer already.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Reasonably well - as I had already been in my job for a year when starting the apprenticeship, I already had some foundational knowledge. Starting the qualification (CIPD Level 3) has helped to fill in the gaps in my knowledge, given me some practice in areas I don't work in, and given me the knowledge of things like terminology and theories I weren't aware of before.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes, I have joined my department's book club (online currently due to Covid-19) and staff are welcome to set up their own clubs - for example, my colleague runs a knitting and crochet club. The University of Oxford more generally offers lots of sports and clubs that staff and students can get involved in - I go swimming at the University's pool. There are also staff networks such as the LGBT+ staff network which hold social events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend University of Oxford to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have found the University of Oxford to be a very good employer - apprentices are paid the Oxford living wage, staff receive benefits such as a good amount of annual leave and childcare vouchers. My department has a good attitude to flexible working and a good approach to improving equality and diversity, and within the University there are good opportunities for career progression.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to University of Oxford?
As with any job, make sure you explicitly demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria when applying for a post. Be open to working at a range of departments and see if you can find out more about the workplace culture at the department you're applying to - although Oxford is one employer, each department has its own unique feel.
