Learning and talent Development apprentice Review
at Essex County Council
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Human Resources
Chelmsford
Review Submitted: March 2026
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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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
I love my job the culture is based on growth, change and development and everyone is so supportive. My day to day job meant I was given responsibility from day one and I now enrol and approve apprenticeships, create cohorts and approve the use of the apprenticeship for our organisation. I also undertake safe recruitment projects and help facilitate training sessions.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I love my job and the company I genuinely couldn't pick a better group of people to work with or a job I would enjoy more but the apprenticeship provider lets the experience down a little bit.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I would say every skill I had going into this job has been improved but the main one is confidence in integrating and raising my ideas as well as public speaking I was terrified but in a supportive group I have flourished and am not afraid to ask questions even if they are silly. My teamwork and communication skills were already decent form previously working in a team based role but they have improved even more now. My leadership skills needed work however, leading on projects from my first day has let me step into that position a bit more and develop.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I would say it is well structure my work load is constant monitored to ensure I have adequate time for the apprenticeship side as well as the appropriate capacity for my day job. It is also flexible which I like so if it doesn't work we can change it around to make sure it is working.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Incredible amount of support. Consistent weekly 1-2-1-s with my line manager and then another weekly meeting with my other manager and team member to discuss how the week went and the focus for next week. The group chat between us is always used and I feel confident and comfortable to ask for support or help whenever I need it.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Barely any the switch up is massive. My training coach is flaky and can be dismissive of my opinions, telling me he doesn't think I am academic when he doesn't know me or my background at all. I feel like I can't go to him support and neither do the rest of my cohort.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I would say content wise it helps but it is only basic and experience and exposure to how things are done in my organisation work better to concrete that understanding. I am honestly unable to say if it helps with my performance as some of the content isn't completely related to my projects.
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
Plenty of employee networks which are always holding events to network and have learning opportunities and I just launched an apprenticeship specific employee network for my organisation. I also have the opportunity to attend conferences and networking events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Essex County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The sense of community you get from working in such a supportive team is something I hope everyone gets to feel. It has been the best first job I could have wished for you are given responsibility to complete your own projects but still have that support you need when you are starting out but that sense of trust is immense.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Essex County Council?
take caution in how local authority is currently undergoing Local Government reform and devolution so be mindful and take more consideration about the contracts as you may not necessarily have that promotional next step. But don't let that scare you
