Industrial Relations Assistant Review

As an Industrial Relations Assistant, I support the People team in building and maintaining positive relationships between management and employees, especially in unionised environments. I help make sure our policies comply with employment laws and collective agreements, and I support communication with union representatives. This role is helping me develop strong communication, legal awareness, and organizational skills, while giving me valuable insight into how industrial relations contribute to a respectful and productive workplace.

During my internship as an Industrial Relations Assistant, I was given a meaningful level of responsibility that balanced learning with contribution. I was given full autonomy to deliver an internal learning resource.. I have also been trusted to liaise with stakeholders like union reps or managers, assist in drafting communications, and manage sensitive data with confidentiality. While major decisions would have remained with senior team members, my role would have involved handling tasks independently, showing initiative, and learning how to navigate complex workplace dynamics.

During my internship as an Industrial Relations Assistant, I developed a range of new skills that have strengthened both my professional and personal growth. I improved my communication and interpersonal skills by engaging with stakeholders across different levels of the organization. I gained legal and policy awareness by working with employment legislation and helping ensure compliance with internal policies and collective agreements. My organizational and administrative skills were sharpened through managing documentation, scheduling meetings, and preparing reports. I also learned how to handle sensitive information with discretion, which helped build my confidence working in HR.

During my internship, I was given a strong level of support and guidance that helped me grow both professionally and personally. My manager provided regular feedback and was always available to answer questions or clarify expectations. I had opportunities to shadow experienced colleagues, attend team meetings, and learn through hands-on involvement in real employee relations cases. I also recieved support from the wider People team, particularly on broader People team initiatives. The structured support I received made me feel confident in taking on responsibilities, helping me learn and improve.

Centrica’s culture is built around its purpose of energising a greener, fairer future, and this mission is deeply embedded in how the company operates and supports its people. From my experience during the internship, I found the atmosphere to be inclusive, collaborative, and values-driven.
Centrica encourages a growth mindset, personal ownership, and teamwork. I felt empowered to contribute ideas, take initiative, and learn from others. The environment was flexible and supportive, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing and belonging. Their “FlexFirst” approach to working meant I could collaborate with my team in a way that suited both our goals and personal wellbeing.
The company also places a high value on diversity and inclusion, aiming to reflect the communities it serves. I was welcomed warmly and felt respected regardless of background, which made it easier to engage and grow professionally.
Overall, the culture at Centrica is one of trust, respect, and purpose, and it creates a positive atmosphere where people are encouraged to be themselves, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

I really enjoyed my internship as an Industrial Relations Assistant. The role gave me the opportunity to work on meaningful tasks, learn from experienced professionals, and contribute to projects that aligned with Centrica’s values. I felt welcomed and supported by my team, and the collaborative atmosphere made it easy to ask questions and grow. I appreciated the balance between guidance and autonomy, which allowed me to build confidence. The culture at Centrica—focused on care, collaboration, and continuous improvement—made the experience both rewarding and motivating. Overall, it was a positive and enriching experience that confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in HR.

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