HR Administrator Review
at Grimshaw
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Human Resources
London, UK
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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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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:
4/5
I work in the HR department, providing administrative support to the team. My responsibilities include managing sickness absences, issuing reference letters, and handling flexible working requests, contract variations, and extension letters. I manage the onboarding of new starters, as well as the offboarding of leavers and work experience placements. Additionally, I support the recruitment process by arranging interviews, sending out offers, and ensuring that interview notes are accurately recorded. I also assist with general HR queries, pension, and payroll.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The apprenticeship is helping me deepen my HR knowledge, which I find very valuable. Balancing work and study can sometimes be challenging, especially during busy periods, but applying what I learn directly at work has proven to be the most effective way for me to learn, as I learn best through practical experience.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have strengthened my existing skills, particularly in communication, time management, and organisation, while also gaining valuable new knowledge, especially in employment law and company culture.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I’d say it’s a well-structured programme. We have regular lectures, a well-organised learning hub with plenty of learning materials, and regular review sessions with our coaches.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I feel very fortunate to receive strong support from my employer. My team is always happy to help with any questions or provide advice, and I am able to take study leave whenever needed, which helps me manage both my workload and stress levels.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Each apprentice is assigned a coach, so we always have someone to turn to if we have questions or concerns. We can also ask questions during our lectures whenever needed. Additionally, there’s a lot of material on the learning hub, which is particularly helpful when working on assignments.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The apprenticeship has helped me gain a better understanding of how businesses operate and the role HR plays in shaping company culture. It has given me valuable theoretical knowledge, so I now have a clearer perspective on business decisions and different business models. This has positively impacted my performance, as I’m becoming more independent and confident in my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are various groups at work, but none that focus primarily on HR-related topics. While this leaves a small gap, I have a great, supportive team with whom I can discuss almost anything, so I don’t feel like I’m missing out.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Grimshaw to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Grimshaw is an architectural company, so its focus is on architecture and design. I would recommend it to anyone looking to grow and learn in this industry, as we have many talented architects and exciting projects, providing plenty of opportunities for learning and career progression.
As a member of the support team, I am satisfied with my learning and development prospects. However, I am also aware that career progression opportunities within support roles are more limited, which is something anyone considering a support role should keep in mind, depending on their ambitions.
As a member of the support team, I am satisfied with my learning and development prospects. However, I am also aware that career progression opportunities within support roles are more limited, which is something anyone considering a support role should keep in mind, depending on their ambitions.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Grimshaw?
I think it’s always good practice to thoroughly read the job advertisement and description to fully understand the scope of the role. If invited for an interview, it’s also helpful to have some prior knowledge about the company and be able to present your design process from start to finish, rather than focusing only on the final design/product.
