National Apprenticeship Week 2023 – The Langham Hall Experience Q&A

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we spoke to Deborah (HR apprentice) and Junior (Purchase Ledger apprentice) about the reasons they decided to embark on this journey and what tips and recommendations they would give someone considering taking this route to start their working career.

Q: Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

Deborah: After completing my university degree, I decided I would like to pursue a career in human resources. As I was researching my options, it became clear that acquiring the CIPD qualification would be the next step in my career development. The Langham Hall apprenticeship provided me with the opportunity to work and complete my CIPD course at the same time.

Junior: I decided to pursue a career through an apprenticeship as I value the possibility of gaining hands-on experience and knowledge straight from the professional field. The ability of having a structured learning environment with a mix of classroom instructions and on-the-job training provides valuable insights on the responsibilities of a working professional.

Q: What kind of tasks have you completed / do you complete on a daily basis?

Deborah: As part of my apprenticeship, I’ve gotten exposure to three key functions with HR. (1) General HR, were I’m responsible of all aspects of the onboarding of new staff members. (2) Learning and Development, were I coordinate staff member onto all mandatory training sessions while supporting them to meet their training goals. (3) Recruitment, supporting the wider team with the 2023 recruitment goals. The variety of tasks has broadened my exposure to the varying strands of HR and what path I would like to focus on in the future.

Junior: I am responsible for the payment room which includes assisting client teams utilising the accounting software, ensuring company policies and procedure are adhered too as well as producing payment reports for client teams and senior management.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge during your apprenticeship so far?

Deborah: My biggest challenge so far has been planning my week to ensure I support all areas of HR in equal parts, guaranteeing I have an even split between L&D, general HR and recruitment.

Junior: Time management is the biggest challenge I have encountered so far, balancing on-the-job training, classroom instruction and my personal life.

Q: What do you hope to be doing in five years’ time?

Deborah: I hope to still be developing my skill set and career path within the HR division, having specialised in a specific area.

Junior: I hope to have achieved the ACCA qualification and lead a team of my own.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you could give to someone who’s looking for an apprenticeship?

Deborah: My best piece of advice would be for the individual to research what qualification they would be looking to complete during their apprenticeship, as you want to ensure it is both relevant to their job role and future career development.

Junior: My recommendation would be to ensure you take your time to do your research on the different apprenticeship paths you would like to take. Keep an open mind and stay proactive during the process. Be curious and consistent during your learning journey.

Langham Hall offers a diverse range of apprenticeships spanning from our operations, HR and compliance team to internal accounts and Technical/Systems. We are keen to widen the range of departments that support apprenticeships as the development of young talent ensures we are training staff from the bottom up. Team growth and succession planning are key to our talent strategy and apprentices are become increasingly important in supporting this aspect of our growth plans.

At Langham Hall apprentice’s sign-up to an 18 month or 3-year apprenticeship depending on the level of qualification they are completing. They are assigned to a specific department or business area where their job role directly relates to their qualification. Each apprentice has a mentor to support them through their qualification and study leave to allow time to complete their training programme.

If you are interested in our apprenticeship opportunities, reach out to our HR team or view our latest vacancies here.