Millie joined Aptus 12 months ago, supporting the HR department while pursuing her HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship. She believes that her apprenticeship has confirmed she’s on the right career path and is providing a strong foundation for her future.
When I finished my A-levels, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. I decided to take a year out to explore my options. When I saw the HR apprenticeship at Aptus on the government website, I knew it was the right fit for me as I had already developed an interest in HR as a career, and this was the ideal opportunity to gain hands-on experience while learning.
My daily responsibilities revolve around recruitment and supporting employees throughout their time at Aptus. I help with documentation, process absences first thing each morning, and assist with various HR tasks. I work in a close-knit team alongside an HR Advisor, our HR Manager, and the People Director. The HSQE Manager is also part of our working environment, and since HR and health and safety are closely linked, we collaborate regularly to ensure a safe and supportive workplace for all employees.
The best part of my job is my team—they’re incredibly supportive, and no two days are ever the same. HR requires a high level of confidentiality and a sympathetic approach, as people need to feel comfortable talking to you. I enjoy the opportunity to build relationships with people, understand their needs, and be someone they feel comfortable talking to.
Since starting my apprenticeship, I have become more confident, especially in face-to-face situations. When I first joined, I was quite shy, but the welcoming environment at Aptus quickly put me at ease.
The link between my college learning, through CMS Vocational, and workplace application has also been really beneficial. Often, I’ll cover a topic at college and then get the chance to use that knowledge in the workplace within a few weeks, which really reinforces my learning.
Benefits of Aptus AcademyI’ve really enjoyed being part of Aptus Academy. It’s been a great way to meet people my age and work together on tasks, helping to develop communication and problem-solving skills. The training has also benefited my college work and off-the-job learning requirements, helping me complete my training log with employer-led opportunities. It’s also been a fantastic way to meet colleagues from other departments and learn more about their role.
I’m particularly interested in expanding my knowledge in wellbeing and mental health. I recently started an online mental health first aid course through the Lighthouse Club and hope to continue developing my understanding in this area. My A-Level in Psychology has also been really useful in my HR role, as I’ve always been interested in understanding people and their behaviour.
I believe I bring a friendly and polite approach to work, and I’m always willing to take on new challenges. I consider myself well-organised and take pride in getting the job done. Our HR team works really well together—each of us has different strengths, and our approaches complement each other, which helps us succeed as a team.
My apprenticeship has helped me decide that HR is the right career for me. From the start, my HR Manager set out a clear development plan, giving me structured learning opportunities and tasks to complete throughout the year. This has given me a strong foundation in HR, and I’m keen to keep building on it.
My focus right now is on completing my HR Support Level 3 qualification and achieving a high mark. I’ve already spoken with my tutor and HR Manager about progressing to Level 5, which I’m really excited about. My apprenticeship is set to finish around March 2025, and I know that when the time comes to explore further training, I will have the full support of Aptus and my college.
I didn’t have any misconceptions about apprenticeships and knew from the start that this route suited my learning style better than university. I prefer hands-on experience rather than purely classroom-based learning.
One of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is that it prepares you for a career while allowing you to earn and gain experience. It also increases your chances of securing a job at the end, compared to graduating university and competing with many others for the same roles without prior work experience.
I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering one. It’s a great way to combine college learning with practical, on-the-job experience, setting you up for a successful career.
Want to start your own journey? Explore Aptus Academy.
