Partner Article

‘I first realised I was on the right track thanks to becoming a FedEx apprentice’

With a widespread skills shortage in key industries and sectors across the UK amid an ongoing debate about student debt, apprenticeships are increasingly seen as an ideal option for talented young people to develop and progress in the workplace.

Established in September 2014, the FedEx Apprenticeship Scheme helps nurture and train the next generation of talent in addition to allowing FedEx to give back to the communities it serves.

As hundreds of thousands of students anxiously await their GSCE and A-level results, offering young people alternative pathways to professional careers with the ability to earn and learn is deservedly gaining wider recognition. Here, Paige Broome, a 22-year-old HR apprentice based in Coventry, tells her story.

How it began

“As I was finishing sixth form back in 2014 I wasn’t sure what to do next. It was disconcerting that a lot of my friends had proper plans in place and had the next few years mapped out. University seemed like a big commitment in terms of time and financing, particularly as I didn’t have a specific course in mind. At the time, I was working in a gym to support myself while thinking about what would be best for me long-term. I’d always liked the option of being able to work, earn and learn with practical, real-world experience while deciding my career path was ideal so apprenticeships had always appealed to me.

“A friend was in a similar position and recommended BPP [a leading provider of qualifications and training]. Following her advice and enrolling on the Business Administration and CIPD Level 3 HR Apprenticeship, I soon found the trainee placement with FedEx in their HR department and was drawn to it immediately. It offered access to career progression in an area that had always interested me as well as the chance to learn and advance while being paid. I applied straight away and was thrilled to be offered a place.”

Getting started

“I started with FedEx as part of my BPP course in March 2016. The arrangement was dividing my time between four days a week in the office with the other day in my local BPP centre (or studying from home depending on the workload) in preparation for a monthly exam or other assignment. Initially I found it difficult to balance the apprenticeship with studying but my team were brilliant in helping with time management and always being on hand for general support. It was great to be treated exactly the same as my colleagues while I was given the same responsibilities from the start. Adjusting to the new workload and gaining experience of different situations has also helped with my coursework. As a result I will be on course to achieve a CIPD Level 3 in HR.

“I began to realise how lucky I was to have found something I both loved and was good at when my colleagues and managers started praising my work and putting me forward for wider recognition. I was awarded several internal FedEx Bravo Zulu awards for going above and beyond my normal job expectations, and even won a top prize at the BPP Apprentice of the Year Awards 2017 earlier this year – an amazing achievement which wouldn’t have been possible without FedEx. It made me feel incredibly proud to know I was doing a good job.”

The role

“I’ve always been social and outgoing so my role is perfect in allowing me to work with lots of different people and find ways to help them. No two days are exactly the same but I typically handle recruitment, onboarding and inductions for new employees. I also assist managers with interviews and deal with new starter contracts. Helping new employees get up to speed and offering wider support is one of my favourite elements of the role and I enjoy planning full inductions across different departments. I also assist FedEx employees working remotely and act as their onsite contact. Dealing with people in a variety of situations can be challenging but I’ve learnt an incredible amount about myself and the best ways to navigate potentially tricky or stressful areas. I’d love to continue studying to work up to a CIPD Level 5 in HR and ultimately become an HR Representative here at FedEx.”

How my life changed

“My apprenticeship with FedEx has transformed my confidence and my general outlook. I’m happier, more outgoing and invaluable real-world experience has given me a better understanding of my capabilities. I’ve learnt to adapt my behaviour and how to conduct myself in different situations and challenging circumstances. It’s great to feel that I’m exactly where I need to be and know what I should be doing in the months and years ahead.

“It’s fantastic to be able to progress and develop professionally – especially as I was one of the only people in my friendship group who didn’t go to university and used to worry about feeling left behind. Now I’m progressing well and at the same level as them. At the moment, I’m able to save for a house and put a little money aside – something that would be unthinkable for a lot of people my age. I always liked apprenticeships and undertaking one has convinced me that it’s the great pathway for young people across the UK to learn, progress and gain professional experience. I’m lucky to have been able to benefit from my apprenticeship and think more should be available to people like me.”

Emma Sutherland, HR Services Manager, UK & Ireland, FedEx Express Europe, says: “At FedEx, we’re extremely proud of all our apprentices – they’re committed members of the team. They don’t just learn from us, we learn a lot from them. They also offer new ideas and ways of thinking, while their enthusiasm and commitment adds dynamism and passion to their teams – contributing to the business’ growth and innovation.

“We believe it’s important for companies to educate the next generation, as they have the expertise and influence to pass on vital skills and knowledge. Once an apprentice gains their qualifications the learning shouldn’t stop, and companies like ours can provide opportunities for employees to develop and hone their skills as well as gain the qualifications needed to enhance their careers.”

Paige Broome, HR Apprentice, FedEx

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by FedEx .