Human Resources, more commonly known as HR, is an indispensable part of any successful organisation. It's the very backbone that ensures the smooth running of all people-related processes, and it's an essential pathway for businesses to attract, retain, and develop the best talents.
What is HR?
In simple terms, Human Resources (HR) is a business function that focuses on the management of people within an organisation. It involves a wide range of responsibilities, including recruitment, training, employee relations, payroll, benefits, and compliance with employment laws. HR is also responsible for building a positive work culture that fosters creativity, teamwork, and growth.
The Importance of HR in an Organisation
HR plays a pivotal role in improving productivity and efficiency in businesses. Through effective hiring practices, training programs, and employee engagement strategies, HR ensures the organisation has the right people in the right jobs, contributing to the overall success of the business. They also help businesses navigate the complexities of employment law, preventing costly legal issues from arising.
Jobs in HR
Jobs in HR span a broad spectrum, from HR Assistant and HR Officer to HR Manager and HR Director. These roles typically require a blend of interpersonal, organisational, and strategic-thinking skills. As an HR professional, you'll be involved in tasks such as drafting policies, managing performance reviews, developing training programs, and resolving conflicts.
HR in Numbers: A Statistical Snapshot of the Profession
When it comes to understanding the landscape of the HR profession, nothing speaks louder than the numbers. The CIPD's "People Profession 2020" report offers a glimpse into the UK's thriving HR industry, boasting over 150,000 professionals in HR and related sectors. However, the depth of this field's expansion becomes even more apparent when we delve deeper into the data.
Over the past decade (from 2011 to 2021), the HR profession in the UK has witnessed an impressive 42% growth, according to the CIPD’s latest UK people profession update. To put this into perspective, this growth rate outstrips that of the general workforce, which has seen an expansion of just 10% during the same period. This statistic underlines the increasing recognition of the value of HR professionals in driving business success and cultivating thriving workplace cultures.
The sector breakdown of HR professionals is also insightful. A substantial 78% of these professionals operate within the private sector, with only 21% working in the public sector. This statistic offers a testament to the private sector's increasing emphasis on effective HR management to drive productivity, retain talent, and navigate the intricacies of employment law.
Looking towards the future, the UK's HR profession shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the number of HR professionals in the UK is projected to grow by 3.2% between 2019 and 2024. This forecasted growth rate, once again, underlines the increasing demand for skilled HR professionals in the evolving business landscape.
In conclusion, the expanding and dynamic nature of the HR profession, as demonstrated by these statistics, emphasises the importance of equipping aspiring HR professionals with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in this field. At GLP Training, our HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed to provide this solid foundation, preparing individuals for a rewarding career in HR.
Average Salary in the UK for HR
The average salary for an HR professional in the UK varies depending on the role, experience, and location. According to Payscale, as of July 2023, an HR Assistant can expect to earn around £21,000 annually, while an HR Manager can earn upwards of £36,000. HR Directors often earn over £70,000, demonstrating the significant earning potential in this field.
Career Progression in HR
Career progression in HR is vast and rewarding. Starting from entry-level roles such as HR Assistant, you can work your way up to managerial and directorial roles. Moreover, specialisations in areas like learning and development, employee relations, or compensation and benefits can provide new career avenues and opportunities.
The Type of Person That Suits HR
Working in HR requires a unique blend of skills and attributes. You'll need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with different people across the organisation. Empathy, patience, and diplomacy are also key, as HR often mediates conflicts and deals with sensitive issues. A good HR professional is also organised, detail-oriented, and has a deep understanding of the business and its needs.
Apprenticeship Route into HR: An In-Depth Look at GLP Training's HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship
Transitioning into the HR field via an apprenticeship route is a practical and efficient way to learn the ropes. GLP Training's HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship provides an exceptional pathway to a successful career in Human Resources.
Course Duration
The HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship lasts 18 months, allowing apprentices ample time to learn, develop and refine their HR skills in a real work setting. This duration includes both the on-job experience as well as the formal training, culminating in an End-Point Assessment to verify the knowledge, skills and behaviours that the apprentice has acquired over the course.
Knowledge Acquired
Throughout the apprenticeship, learners delve into various aspects of HR practice. This includes in-depth learning about employment law, HR policies and procedures, recruitment and selection processes, and performance management. Apprentices also gain knowledge about data analysis and how it informs HR practices, as well as the importance of HR in driving organisational performance.
Skills Developed
Our apprenticeship program at GLP Training prioritises skills development. This includes honing practical abilities such as managing HR information, providing advice to managers on HR matters, handling HR related enquiries and requests, and supporting HR projects. Additionally, apprentices learn to manage both digital and physical records and develop the ability to navigate HR systems and platforms.
Behaviours Fostered
A significant part of our HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship revolves around fostering the right behaviours, integral to the HR profession. We instil the importance of discretion, maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a changing environment. We also focus on developing a customer-focused approach, which is vital in HR roles, and promote a commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
In Conclusion: A Comprehensive Learning Journey
GLP Training’s HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship is a thorough journey, designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to thrive in the dynamic world of HR. Over the course of 18 months, apprentices not only learn about HR in theory but also experience the real-world applications of these principles, setting them up for success in their HR careers.
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