Apprenticeships can be a great opportunity to get a foot on the career ladder. This is Lizee’s story of how she joined Stevenage Borough Council as an apprentice, which helped her kick start her career in local government…

A-Levels over…What next?

I left school aged 18 having just completed my A-Levels. Throughout my time at school I’d always wanted to be a physiotherapist and tailored my A-Level subjects to ensure that I could go to university and take a physiotherapy degree. However, while undertaking my A-Levels I arranged some work experience in the physiotherapy department of a local hospital and that made me realise that it was not the career for me…

So I left school with three A-Levels and no idea what I wanted to do! I took a job as a waitress in a pub for a few months while I reflected on my options for a long term occupation. I eventually went to see a careers analyst who carried out a number of psychometric and personality tests to help determine what I might be suited to. Among a few other professions, Human Resources (HR) was suggested. I did some research on the HR profession and decided it was something I would like to try.

A few weeks later I was scanning the local paper and noticed an advert for a Human Resources Apprenticeship at Stevenage Borough Council. I never thought about working for local government but the advert convinced me the job was just the opportunity I needed. I applied for the post, was invited for (a very nerve-wracking!) interview and was offered the Apprenticeship.

Earning and learning

The Apprenticeship gave me everything I needed to kick-start my career in HR. During the course of the Apprenticeship I worked in training, recruitment, workforce planning and employee relations gaining an understanding of each role. I also completed an NVQ qualification in business administration and the council sponsored me to train towards achieving my Certificate in Personnel Practice which I also successfully completed.

My time as a designated apprentice did not last long. A year after I started my apprenticeship role I was offered an opportunity to work as an HR Assistant, but continuing my training too. Shortly after I took up this role, I was offered a secondment to the post of HR Officer where I remained, assisting with the implementation of the council’s job evaluation scheme. I continued with this until I was given the chance to transfer to Stevenage Homes, which is an Arms Length Management Organisation of Stevenage Borough Council. They were taking on the management and provision of services for all Stevenage’s council houses.

Less than a year after I started with Stevenage Homes, my role changed again to HR Partner (Resourcing). I am now responsible for the training and recruitment functions for the whole organisation. I also began my Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) professional qualification – again fully supported by the organisation.

A rewarding career

I have been with Stevenage Borough Council and Stevenage Homes for three years now and I still enjoy it as much as I did when I first began my Apprenticeship. Every day is different and presents a new challenge. Both organisations have been extremely supportive of my training and career development and I am much further forward now than I ever imagined I would be when I first applied for the Apprenticeship.

Despite my early reservations about working for local government I wouldn’t change my experiences for the world. Stevenage Borough Council and Stevenage Homes have given me the most fantastic start to my HR career in the public sector!