People Assistant Review
at PKF Smith Cooper
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Human Resources
Derby
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4 /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
3.6/5
-
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
My role involves issuing letters to our employees for a variety of topics such as salary changes, bonus confirmations, probation letters etc.
I am responsible for overseeing out probation process and work experience process. I also get involved in any internal projects such as 360s, data reviews and policy reviews.
Answering any queries that our employees may have is a common day to day task.
I am responsible for overseeing out probation process and work experience process. I also get involved in any internal projects such as 360s, data reviews and policy reviews.
Answering any queries that our employees may have is a common day to day task.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have really enjoyed my programme. Being able to learn and have the opportunity to put into practice what I am learning has really helped my development.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have been able to develop my interpersonal skills as well as being able to develop my communication skills as my role requires me to communicate with those both internally and also externally so being able to adapt my communication style depending on who I am talking to is key.
Organisation and prioritisation are key skills that I have learnt and been able to develop.
Organisation and prioritisation are key skills that I have learnt and been able to develop.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is well structured with a lesson every month for each topic and enough time to work on assignments before the next lesson.
You also get enough time to work on your EPA before the deadline,
Having regular 1-2-1s with my skills coach was also really helpful.
You also get enough time to work on your EPA before the deadline,
Having regular 1-2-1s with my skills coach was also really helpful.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I received a lot of support from my employer. They allowed me to have time away from work each week to work on my assignments and EPA work as well as attending my lessons.
It might have been helpful to have been given a little more time from to work on my assignments and EPA as I sometimes found myself feeling stressed that I wasn't going to get everything done in time.
It might have been helpful to have been given a little more time from to work on my assignments and EPA as I sometimes found myself feeling stressed that I wasn't going to get everything done in time.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I would say you get a good amount of support from the training provider. I had monthly 1-2-1s with my skills coach to check up on my progress and offer any support that I needed. I also had quarterly check ins with my skills coach and manager, allowing my skills coach to update my manager on my progress also allowing my manger to ask any questions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Through completing my qualification, I have been able to had a better understanding of HR allowing me to perform better in my role as I now have a deeper understanding on the process and procedures that we need to follow and the importance of carrying out certain tasks as well as giving me the tools to deal with certain situations.
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
PKF Smith Cooper offers various opportunities to get involved with socials. We have quarterly socials which involve activities such as Bingo, Bowling, Rounders etc as well having our annual company summer party and our Christmas parties.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend PKF Smith Cooper to a friend?
Yes
Why?
PKF Smith Cooper has the most amazing culture where everyone is valued. Everyone is so supportive of each other and everyone's achievements are always celebrated. The opportunity to take part in various socials and also volunteering days allows you have the opportunity to engage with your colleagues outside of the office.
I also love having the flexibility to dress for your diary and have the opportunity to work from home when needed.
I also love having the flexibility to dress for your diary and have the opportunity to work from home when needed.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PKF Smith Cooper?
Make sure you adapt your CV to the role that you are applying for and alter it to fit with the Company's values. Ensure that all you answers to the application questions are detailed and relevant to the role that you are applying for.
