After graduating from university with a degree in Criminology, Halima found herself at a crossroads.
Like many graduates, she wanted a career where she could make a difference but wasn't sure which path to take. Halima had previous experience in retail and healthcare, but neither of those sectors were the right fit.
"I've always wanted to work in a job where I help people. In retail, I enjoyed the job, but I felt like I was just selling things. I wanted to feel like I was making a difference”, explains Halima.
That’s when she came across Human Resources, and started looking into it as viable career.
“I'd never worked in HR before, but I thought what better way to get experience than through an apprenticeship where you're learning on the job?”.
Today, Halima is over a year into her Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at Citizens Advice Gateshead, working as a Learning and HR Support Apprentice within the organisation's People Team.
Working across HR, recruitment and learning and development has given Halima exposure to a wide range of responsibilities. From onboarding new starters and supporting recruitment campaigns to coordinating work experience placements and helping colleagues access workplace adjustments, no two days are the same.
"I don't really have a typical day. Every week brings something different, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role."
One of Halima's biggest learning curves has been developing confidence when communicating with managers and colleagues across the organisation.
In previous roles, her interactions were primarily customer-facing. This apprenticeship introduced her to a new environment where she works closely with internal stakeholders and supports colleagues with a wide variety of needs:
"I'd never really had to communicate with managers before. I knew what I wanted to say, but it was about building the confidence to say it."
Through regular guidance, feedback and encouragement from her colleagues and mentor, she has developed both her communication skills and confidence.
"At the start, I'd draft emails and ask for feedback before sending them. Now I feel confident enough to send them independently, and I know my team trusts me to do that."
Throughout her apprenticeship, Halima has been trusted with meaningful responsibilities that directly support colleagues across the organisation.
One example involved helping a colleague access specialist equipment to address a health-related issue. Halima coordinated communications between multiple departments, researched suitable solutions and tracked the process through to completion.
"I always like to see things through to the end. Even if something moves to another team, I'll ask for updates because I want to make sure the person gets the support they need."
She has also taken ownership of key compliance processes, helping the organisation manage mandatory training data and continuously improving the way information is processed and reported.
Over time, what was once a lengthy and manual process has become significantly more efficient thanks to Halima's willingness to review, refine and improve how tasks are completed.
As she approaches the final stages of her apprenticeship, Halima is considering her next steps within HR, recruitment and learning and development.
While she has not yet chosen a specialism, the experience has helped her identify a long-term career path:
"I'd love to stay with the organisation and continue learning. Eventually I'd like to specialise in either HR, recruitment or L&D, and work my way into a management position."
Having experienced both university and apprenticeships, Halima believes apprenticeships offer an outstanding route into employment.
"You're gaining experience, learning new skills and getting paid at the same time. You're not losing anything by giving it a go."
Her advice is simple:
"Just go for it. Even if you're not completely sure what career you want, an apprenticeship gives you the chance to learn, develop and discover what interests you."