Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers
08 Feb 23
InzpireTeamBlogCareersInzpire Culture
Inzpire's HR Advisor Sarah Palmer-Carr is currently studying a Senior People Professional apprenticeship towards her Level 7 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification in Strategic HR.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, Sarah is keen to share her experience to show that apprenticeships aren’t only for school leavers. She tells us more about her reasons for embarking on this further study and how the support from her Inzpire colleagues makes it possible.
I started with Inzpire in April 2022 as part of their small but amazing HR team. One of the things I love about working here is the support offered in developing your skills. In that spirit I was encouraged to look at any training opportunities that would support me in my role.
I already have a degree in HR and wanted to expand on this, so I naturally started looking at the CIPD Level 7 qualifications available. I actually hadn’t realised before this research that you could achieve the qualification through an apprenticeship route rather than a standalone qualification.
What I liked about the apprenticeship route is that you need to apply the knowledge practically, as well as in theory, and that is definitely the way I learn best.
Vicky Tinsley, our learning and development lead, helped me to look at providers and options and I started my Senior People Professional apprenticeship in September 2022. As well as the apprenticeship qualification, I will also achieve a Level 7 CIPD qualification in Strategic HR which will support Chartered Membership of the CIPD.
Because the apprenticeship is very practical, I find that I am able to use my day-to-day role to help build my evidence portfolio and Inzpire has been really supportive in allowing me the time and opportunities I need to complete my academic work. It is definitely a balancing act as there is a lot of work involved (and it has been a while since I worked at that academic level), but it feels very relevant to my day job, and I can apply what I am learning immediately. The things I have learned so far have benefited me, the HR team, and the organisation already!
I am a big believer in always trying to improve your skills and knowledge and I am lucky that Inzpire is happy to support this. I would encourage anyone who is considering an apprenticeship to look into what is available and remember they are not only for school or college leavers; there are so many levels and opportunities now.
My top tips would be to think outside the box when building your evidence portfolio; it’s not all about academic learning, it is about the everyday on-the-job learning too. Also, to use the support of your provider and the organisation; you are not doing this on your own.
Overall, I would say enjoy the experience. I definitely am.
Find out more about what it's like to work at Inzpire here.
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