Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: My journey into HR with SWECET

National Apprenticeship Week gives us a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the power of earning while learning and gaining #SkillsForLife. This week, we hear from Eve Bennett, our dedicated HR Apprentice and recent DNA Award winner, who works within the central team at SWECET and is pursuing a Level 3 qualification in HR support.

Q: What sparked your interest in a HR apprenticeship, particularly within the education sector?

A: Returning to work after having children, I was keen to develop my career in HR and gain a recognised qualification. As a parent, the education sector resonated with me, offering the flexibility to still manage family responsibilities. When job searching, I came across an apprenticeship role with SWECET. While I had worked in HR, I was excited to deepen my knowledge and skills through a formal qualification in the education sector.

This apprenticeship offered the perfect opportunity to combine practical experience with structured learning in a valuable field. Lifelong learning is key, and it's never too late to gain a new qualification. There's always something more to learn!

Q: Can you describe a typical day or week as a HR Apprentice in the central team?

A: It’s a really varied role! I could be creating adverts and job descriptions for our vacancies, or processing successful interview candidates to ensure everything complies with employment law and safer recruitment practices. I maintain the Single Central Records for all our schools and the central teams within the Trust, as well as employee personal records. I support the HR links with any queries they have and create letters and contracts, always making sure to follow the six data protection principles.

Q: What skills have you gained so far?

A: So many! I've learned a huge amount, particularly in recruitment. I now understand the importance of the vetting we carry out on all our staff.

Q: How has SWECET supported your learning and development throughout your apprenticeship?

A: SWECET has been fantastic. The Trust has given me the flexibility to work on assignments and my project in a way that suits me best. They also gave me the opportunity to gain the Maths qualification I needed to complete the apprenticeship, which was a huge help. And, of course, I've had the chance to learn from different members of the HR team, which has been invaluable.

Q: What opportunities for career progression are there within SWECET after completing your apprenticeship?

A: I'll be staying with SWECET as a permanent HR Assistant once I complete my apprenticeship, which I'm really excited about. I'm looking forward to continuing to learn and develop within the department.

This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating our brilliant apprentices who take every opportunity to develop #SkillsForLife. Eve has learnt the Trust’s recruitment process at an impressive rate and continually strives to ensure schools are supported with their recruitment needs.

She implements her new skills and knowledge easily – and does it all with a smile! She shows us the real value of apprenticeships and we’re proud to support her professional development.