From apprentice to permanent member of the Anchor Hanover team

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2020, we have interviewed several of our fantastic apprentices to find out why they decided to join us and how they have found the experience.

Meet Leah Fowler, who joined our HR apprenticeship and is now a permanent HR Administrator with Anchor Hanover.
 

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

I wanted to work as an apprentice as I wanted to have a job that I could progress in and also help me create a career for myself in the future. I liked the idea that as well as gaining experience/skills in work that I could also work towards a higher qualification and help to become a qualified HR professional in the future.
 

How have you found the experience?

My time as an apprentice has allowed me to gain experience/skills/knowledge into a HR/business environment. I have been given opportunities to go to different locations such as care, housing and a support services team. I've been upskilled to be able to support both teams within HR (HR admin and Onboarding). I have also been able to develop relationships with other teams and our care/housing locations which has helped better my understanding of how each role fits into the orgnaisation.
 

How has your Apprenticeship helped you progress in your career?

Completing my apprenticeship in HR has provided me with the tools I need to progress in my career. Since my apprenticeship, I have been made a permanent member of staff and I’m about to start my CIPD in HR through the organisation. Going through the route of apprenticeships has provided me with everything I need to feel confident within my role and to continue to build up my experience within HR and pursue it as my career.
 

What do you feel are the advantages of doing an apprenticeship over other training or education?

I believe the key advantage of completing an apprenticeship is that it gives you access to working in a professional environment which you normally would have to have experience for (e.g HR). I also believe apprenticeships are good for individuals that want an education but do not want to go the route of University – as many employers offer the opportunity to develop within the business, and with that comes opportunities to complete qualifications with the support from your employers.

If you'd like to find out more about a career in care, please visit our careers website here.