I loved the independence of being at College, and the wide range of subjects available made it possible for me to explore subjects that interested me. I think making the step from secondary school to College, not knowing many people there, helped my confidence grow which was important, as it set me up well for my apprenticeship afterwards.

After completing my A-levels, in August 2017 I started a Human Resources (HR) apprenticeship with Thales, an engineering company in Crawley. I secured the position prior to completing my exams, so it really helped to ease the exam anxiety and to perform my best. It involved a rotational programme – from recruitment to rewards and benefits – which was so valuable as an introduction to HR and helped me to learn which area I preferred. Thales ended up sponsoring me to complete both my L3 and L5 CIPD qualifications, which I’m very grateful for as they are highly respected qualifications for HR professionals. I ended up staying with Thales for five years, and by the end had chosen to specialise in Employee Relations.

In May 2023, I moved to a new job as an Employee Relations Specialist at Just Group PLC., a retirement specialist with an office just around the corner from the College. So far, I’m loving the role as it’s providing me with new challenges, as well as further encouraging my personal and professional development.

My favourite part of working in HR, specifically Employee Relations, is that I get to work with people, helping them to problem-solve and become the best versions of themselves. It’s a job that can seem daunting, but every HR team I’ve worked in has been so supportive and more than happy to help me to develop. There’s a real culture of curiosity at both Thales and Just Group that has helped me to flourish in my career.

Some advice I received when deciding which A-levels to take which has really stuck with me is “choose subjects you’re going to enjoy” as ultimately I may be using that knowledge for the rest of my career! It really helped me to make some decisions on the subjects I chose, as it’s ended up with me securing jobs that I love.

I wish I’d known it will all work out in the end. College can be a stressful time with lots of big decisions to make, and apprenticeship applications coupled with revision and part-time work was definitely a challenge. Apprenticeships are also quite competitive, so I wish I’d known to persevere as it’s a knock to the confidence to receive multiple declines or no response to an application. However, I am so glad about the route I have taken, as I knew when looking around universities that it just wasn’t for me. I often say that getting an apprenticeship is the best decision I have ever made for myself, especially as they weren’t as popular at the time. However, it’s a very personal situation, so listen to yourself and consider what’s best for you.

Scarlett Meakings

Reigate College: 2015-2017

Apprenticeship: Level 3 & 5 Apprentice CIPD working at Thales

Currently: Employee Relations Specialist, Just Group PLC