HR Apprentice Review
at Centrica British Gas
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Human Resources
Stockport
Review Submitted: March 2024
Overall Rating
2.3 /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!
2/5
-
Overview of Role
3/5
-
Skills Development
1.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
2/5
In my apprenticeship I was allocated to the Employee Relations team completing the role of an Employee Relations Manager. I was responsible for managing cases in line with company policy, processes, tools and frameworks based on current legislation, good practice and business needs. I needed to plan my own workload to ensure SLA's were met.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
Whilst I enjoyed the learning aspect of the apprentice and being in role, the majority of the time it felt as though I was being used as an additional resource to support workload. Also, as there was no guaranteed role at the end apprenticeship, it has been a distraction worrying about the future.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Having no previous HR background I was quickly gained knowledge about the companies main people policies. This required understanding policy intent and apply the logic to specific cases. Communication was a large part of the role and I was required to effectively guide managers on how to apply policies fairly and consistently, even when they may want to take a different course of action.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
Initially it looked like the apprenticeship had a very good structure in place with the main online resources broken down into chapters and modules. However I stared working through the course I found the materials to be inconsistent, unclear, repetitive, and contained numerous spelling mistakes.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
1/5
Whilst the Early Careers team where there to support, the time it took to get any issues resolved was far too long. The team I was working on initially had made no allowance for the required apprentice study time, and it was only after four months and raising concerns that my workload was reduced. Many of the activities required involvement or discussion with my line manager, but as they were unfamiliar with the course requirements the assistance was limited.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
The feedback I received from my Skills Coach was valuable and helpful, however there are continued issues with the amount of time it takes to get feedback on submissions - some times it could be up to eight weeks before getting any feedback.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
Whilst the apprenticeship gave me an opportunity to move into HR, there has been very little that I have been able to apply to the role I am actually doing.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
There are occasional social events, but as the team spread are across the country, these tend to be planned around team meetings.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Centrica British Gas to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company is supportive of introducing talent pipelines and opportunities to develop and build a career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Centrica British Gas?
Ensure it is clear what happens after the apprenticeship - is there a guaranteed job?
Make sure your line manager understands the apprenticeship is the primary purpose, and not just an add on to an existing role.
Make sure your line manager understands the apprenticeship is the primary purpose, and not just an add on to an existing role.
