This week is National Apprenticeship Week and since 2014 we have taken on 572 apprentices, 80% of whom have continued to progress into other roles with us.
We know our people are our greatest asset and we see investing in them as investing in our future.
See our latest apprenticeship vacancies.
Personal experiences of being an apprentice
The best people to tell you about being an apprentice at HM Land Registry (HMLR) are those who have done it.
James Fricker
Since July 2020 I’ve been an apprentice Service Management Analyst (try saying that quickly) working on the Service Desk, mainly providing first-line IT support to colleagues.
I’d known for a while that I wanted to have a career in the public sector. It was in fact my dad who recommended HMLR to me, as he’d worked here and always spoken positively of his experiences. So, when I came across an advert for IT Apprenticeships online, I jumped at the opportunity to apply!
Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking and challenging at the best of times. Having to do it from home as a result of the national lockdown certainly adds to that. Being inducted remotely, and therefore “meeting” my new team via Microsoft Teams, was a strange experience but, despite this barrier, everybody was very welcoming and supportive and any concerns I had quickly disappeared.
After a first week of induction, I was assigned a ‘buddy’ who began to train me on the specifics of the Service Desk and everything it does.
In the last 6 months, I’ve learnt so much. From the process of incident management to using a range of technical systems, and also things about myself. Being able to fix the problems affecting my colleagues’ work is incredibly fulfilling.
All in all, I would thoroughly recommend the HMLR apprenticeship scheme. With opportunities in areas varying from IT to Business Administration and Finance, there is something for everyone. As an apprentice, you are particularly fortunate because you have the perfect balance of learning from your studies and from being on the job. The experience has been both incredibly enjoyable and rewarding.
Punit Tejura
I graduated from university in 2011 and jumped from job to job and even secured a place on a much sought-after graduate scheme. I was led to believe this was the holy grail and that I’d made it. It wasn’t.
I joined HMLR as an apprentice in 2014 at the age of 25. This was a bold move to leave a budding career and to start all over again, which was difficult to explain to family and friends. Everyone questioned why I was doing an apprenticeship and not “using my degree” or continuing with my current career path. However, it was the best decision I could have made.
I started my apprenticeship in the Operations Directorate. This involved processing casework and therefore required months of intensive training and a huge investment by HMLR. Following the apprenticeship, I was trained to process more complex casework which built upon all the training I received during my apprenticeship, so the apprenticeship provided a very good foundation. The apprenticeship created a community, both locally in the office and across HMLR, as we worked together to learn, progress and develop.
After the apprenticeship had formally ended HMLR provided training and support to develop my line management skills. I line managed several new intakes of staff, adding to my skills and development. As a result of the experience in this role, I successfully applied to join the Local Land Charges (LLC) programme on a three-month opportunity which eventually lasted for three years.
In late 2020 I successfully secured a Procurement Manager post in the Finance and Business Services Directorate. I am being supported by HMLR to complete my Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification which will provide a strong foundation on which I can continue to build a career in HMLR.
The apprenticeship programme ensured I received the training and support I needed to do the job. It allowed me to develop skills in a way my degree and previous jobs just didn’t and provided opportunities such as reverse mentoring a senior leader and regular interaction with members of the board.
HMLR is a great place to work and has been very supportive of my career both within the apprenticeship framework and subsequently, providing regular formal training and practical experience. I would highly recommend apprenticeships and especially one at HMLR.
1 comment
Comment by Vil posted on
Inspiring stories, well done to all.