Pay and Reward Advisor Review
at Department for Education
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Human Resources
Coventry
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
My role involves helping to design and implement the pay and reward strategy of DfE, including setting and monitoring reward budgets and spend, managing job evaluations, answering employee queries, writing/implementing policy and working on ad-hoc project work (ie automating and testing a new system for reward spend)
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoyed the breadth of what my course had to offer. For example, there were psychological theories on how people manage change and why that is important to know in the workplace. There were also opportunities to share ideas with other course mates which was valuable
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, through my apprenticeship I gained an experience in a much broader scope of HR, including understanding about talent management. It was also helpful for helping me map my CPD and focus on areas where I wanted to upskill (ie attending training for understanding TUPE)
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure felt logical, as we learnt the fundamentals of HR practice first and then branched into specialisms, and we had a clear timetable provided to me at the start and mid-points, so I knew what to expect.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I felt very supported- my own team knew the importance of my study and ensured I had time allocated for off the job learning. The apprenticeship also were very supportive and ensured I was part of the wider apprenticeship network so I had contact with fellow apprentices
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My tutor was very helpful and ensured we had frequent check ins, and was also quick to respond to any queries I had about my apprenticeship
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel much more comfortable in my own abilities since I have finished my study. I have a stronger sense of knowing how to effectively communicate with all levels of staff, as well as knowing how to handle potentially difficult or complex situations and queries.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I am a part of reward networks around the civil service and frequently attend training sessions and seminars they provide.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Department for Education to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The department has a wide range of apprenticeship offers for a variety of different roles, and I would have no issue in recommending someone else joins and completes one as I felt very supported when completing mine.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Education?
Have an idea of what you are interested in, but be open minded. There are a lot of different functions in the department so there is always a role you would be interested in.
