Apprenticeships offer valuable pathways for HR professionals aiming to keep pace with significant legal changes and career advancement.
- Angela Kaine of Realise advocates for apprenticeships as a key method for staying informed about substantial employment law transformations.
- Employment law is undergoing notable changes with the upcoming Government’s Employment Rights Bill impacting HR procedures.
- Apprenticeships offer practical experiences, critical thinking development, and adaptability to legal shifts in HR roles.
- Realise offers Level 5 and Level 3 HR apprenticeships to facilitate career progression and practical knowledge acquisition.
Apprenticeships have emerged as a pivotal route for HR professionals to remain abreast of momentous legal changes while progressing in their careers. Angela Kaine, Operations Director for Programmes at Realise, asserts that apprenticeships reflect a commitment to best practice, offering pragmatic experience and resilience in learning. This is particularly pertinent amidst revolutionary employment law changes anticipated with the new Government’s Employment Rights Bill.
Angela highlights significant components of the bill, such as the prohibition of zero-hour contracts, immediate rights for parental leave and sick pay, accommodations for flexible working, and reduced constraints on trade union activities. These changes are predicted to catalyse employment tribunals, necessitate contract revisions, and overhaul recruitment methods. She emphasizes the responsibility of HR professionals to pre-emptively address these shifts to prevent tribunal disputes, stating, “It’s not only about dealing with claims – it’s about stopping it getting that far in the first place.”
To ensure HR professionals are equipped for these changes, Realise is adapting its apprenticeship programmes to incorporate the latest legislation. Angela mentions her personal experience with the HR Consultant apprenticeship, noting its critical role in fostering analytical skills and establishing a robust knowledge network. Traditional HR qualifications provide a theoretical foundation, but the application of this knowledge in real-world scenarios is what distinguishes apprenticeships, as they involve confronting actual issues and learning through experience.
Through apprenticeships, individuals can cultivate resilience—a crucial trait in dealing with the dynamic nature of HR challenges. Real-life problem-solving, peer-to-peer learning, and interactive sessions discussing current legal topics are integral elements of apprenticeship programmes. This methodology not only contributes to professional credibility but also demonstrates tangible dedication to advancing in HR roles.
Realise offers two primary HR apprenticeship levels: People Professional Level 5 and HR Support Level 3. The Level 5 programme targets seasoned HR professionals aiming to elevate their careers or transition into consultancy roles, covering topics like business acumen and digital analytics. The Level 3 qualification suits newcomers or those seeking to enhance foundational HR skills, addressing legislation, policy, and problem-solving. These courses attract participants across diverse sectors, including retail, health, and government.
In addition, Realise provides Learning and Development courses at Levels 3 and 5, popular among those working within HR teams. Angela reveals that apprenticeships have powered several success stories, with alumni advancing to pivotal business roles. “Apprenticeships can really give you the edge and help you kick-start a HR career,” she notes with conviction.
Apprenticeships are proving essential for HR professionals to navigate and excel amidst evolving legal and industry landscapes.
