An Apprentice Success Story - HR Generalist

[Maninder_R]

I originally started my career in hospitality, managing mid-sized teams in luxury hotels in Central London. I really enjoyed working with people and found learning about organisational effectiveness in dynamic environments fascinating. Eventually, I realised that this sector was not for me due to lack of recognition and extremely long unsocialable hours. This led me to decide to build a new career in HR and an opportunity arose to work at HPE. I never thought I would be an apprentice at that of stage of my career but I am very glad I made this choice. During my apprenticeship, I completed a Level 5 certificate in HR Management and had the opportunity to learn whilst working across most HR functions.

I gained generalist knowledge and experience which is exactly what I was looking to get out of my apprenticeship (on top of a fancy certificate). I was offered a permanent position towards the end of my apprenticeship and I have just been promoted to HR advisory level after 2 years. In my current role, I manage the operation side of HR, advise on policies, procedures and immigration as well as manage various projects. I feel I can make a difference. I love that no two days are the same and HPE’s fast-paced environment suits me well!

• Best experience/opportunity that you’ve had since becoming an apprentice

The best opportunity I had was when I was offered a permanent role at HPE as a UKI HR Generalist. Having been enjoying the work, company culture and the great environment in our team, I gladly accepted it. I started this role just as the world was being hit by the pandemic and the UK was going into lockdown which added further challenges, especially within HR operations. This role required me to gain specialist knowledge and skills as well as thought me how to manage multiple projects within short periods of time.

• Best parts of the early careers programme

The Outbound trip to Lake District with all the apprentices was my favourite. The activities were really fun, such as gorge walking which I had not done before. (Dipping into the 2-3C river definitely adds an extra layer of adventure to the experience!) as well as building a raft (reliable enough to carry 8 or so people to the other side of a lake).

• What advice would you give to others considering an apprenticeship?

I would absolutely recommend apprenticeships for anyone because they will gain a professional qualification (for free!) whilst acquiring skills and knowledge working in their chosen field.  By the time they complete the programme they will have 2 or 4 years of work experience which are so valuable. I would also recommend apprenticeships to those who would like to change careers and may lack specific work experience and struggling to secure their very first role in a new field. Taking on apprenticeship is a great route to get your foot in the door.

---

Greg Marianusics
Hewlett Packard Enterprise

twitter.com/HPE_UKI
linkedin.com/company/hewlett-packard-enterprise
hpe.com/uk