HR apprentice, Yudip Tumrok, has been selected as the ambassador for the British Army’s apprenticeship programme as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
The ambassador role is designed to highlight that the Army runs the largest employer apprenticeship scheme in the UK as few people are aware that the Army provides qualifications to enhance the careers of the next generation of HR specialists.
Brigadier John Ogden, Director of Operations, Army Recruiting Group, said:
“The Army provides world-class training in a range of exciting roles, whether you have ambitions to be a chef, an engineer, a mechanic, a welder or an IT Specialist. Our apprentices get unrivalled opportunities to travel the world, take part in adventurous training and earn a good wage, while benefiting from a high level of personal investment and training that very few other employers can provide. Our unique offer means our apprentices can grow their confidence and gain qualifications which apply to civilian careers, and knowing they’re doing something meaningful with their lives.
“With unemployment among young people still very high, the Army is playing a significant role in providing the younger generation with skills for life.”
One in three apprentices questioned as part of a survey of 3,000 employees in the UK said that the financial investment in their training and personal development by their employers was the highest source of career satisfaction for them, compared with just one in 10 graduates and interns who said the same. In fact, nine in 10 graduates and interns feel that the cost of professional qualifications is holding them back in their careers, more than any other job level.
When asked what was missing from their careers, the top response among apprentices was a clear long-term career plan (39%), ahead of the chance to travel (27%) and a challenging and exciting role (13%). The British Army claims to combat this by offering a clearly defined career path, with a good salary and regular opportunities for promotion.
Lance Corporal Yudip Tumrok, 21, who is training for a FdA HRP in Foundation Degree Arts Human Resource Practice, said:
“Before joining the Army I only had my GCSEs – now I am on an apprenticeship programme where I am training towards an NVQ. My NVQ will be recognised by civilian companies so it’s reassuring to know the training I’m receiving is for life, not just for the Army.
“I’ve also become more confident since working on my Army apprenticeship. It’s not just about the hard work though. Being able to do both adventure and educational courses is the best thing about the Army – gaining more knowledge and experience. It gives you the opportunity to do sports, learn, travel, face challenges and meet people.”
Over 5,500 Army apprentices are set to complete their training this year alone, and around 20,000 are currently going through the Army’s apprenticeship programmes.
Steff joined the HRreview editorial team in November 2014. A former event coordinator and manager, Steff has spent several years working in online journalism. She is a graduate of Middlessex University with a BA in Television Production and will complete a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster in the summer of 2015.
