Isabelle Saunders is on the HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship.
At just 18, Isabelle Saunders knew the traditional university route wasn’t the right fit. While studying Business, Economics, and Philosophy at sixth form in Essex, she discovered a passion for people-focused work.
What appealed to Isabelle about apprenticeships, was the idea of building real experience from day one - learning on the job, developing practical skills, and doing meaningful work while earning a salary.
“I liked the idea of getting experience while learning - and getting paid for it.”
I liked the idea of getting experience while learning - and getting paid for it.
Why Isabelle Chose an Apprenticeship
For Isabelle, an apprenticeship offered something university couldn’t match: the chance to immerse herself directly in the world of HR. Instead of studying theory for three years, she would already be applying her knowledge in the workplace, building confidence, and developing a professional track record.
“By the time people finish university,” she says, “I’ll already have three years of experience.”
By the time people finish university, I’ll already have three years of experience.
Gaining hands on experience
Isabelle was introduced to Reed Learning through her Learning and Development Advisor. The programme quickly became a practical extension of her day-to-day work.
“I’m actively doing what I’m learning. If something happens at work and I’ve just learned about it, I can say, “I’ve just learned a way we could improve this.’”
One of these improvements came from studying the employee life cycle. Isabelle spotted an opportunity to enhance the organisation’s exit interview process:
“We’re now moving exit interviews earlier in the process to get better insights. And we’re automating it - a survey with an option for a follow-up meeting with HR. I drafted the questions for that.”
She has also gained hands-on experience across compliance, legislation, and HR administration - even leading a project to ensure all employees had completed their Right to Work checks.
Growing Skills, Confidence, and Career Direction
The apprenticeship has helped Isabelle shape a clearer career vision.
“It’s helped me realise what area of HR I want to go into. I’m now really interested in becoming an HR Business Partner - all the employee relations work really appeals to me.”
It’s helped me realise what area of HR I want to go into. I’m now really interested in becoming an HR Business Partner - all the employee relations work really appeals to me.
With new knowledge and confidence, Isabelle now actively seeks more exposure within her team.
“I can say, ‘I’m learning this right now - could you talk me through it?’ It’s helped my confidence.”
Alongside technical knowledge, Isabelle has noticed a big shift in her interpersonal skills:
“I feel like I’m more approachable, and I approach people more. I’m much more confident and social - just a real social butterfly now! Even small transferable skills like that have grown.”
I feel like I’m more approachable, and I approach people more. I’m much more confident and social - just a real social butterfly now! Even small transferable skills like that have grown.
She’s also strengthened her understanding of essential HR competencies:
“I’ve learned so much about handling data and confidentiality.”
Why Apprenticeships Matter
When asked about the wider impact of apprenticeships, Isabelle is passionate about their value.
“We’re being taught by people who’ve been doing this for years. We’re gaining so many skills. Apprenticeships are such a great way to learn.”
She believes employers also stand to benefit:
“We are the future. Start upskilling us now - get us while we’re still hot! Apprenticeships are great for employers, and you get loyalty from the apprentice as well.”
Isabelle also highlights a growing challenge for young people:
“There’s this issue where young people go to university, get really good degrees, and still struggle to get jobs. With an apprenticeship, you’re building experience from day one.”
We are the future. Start upskilling us now - get us while we’re still hot! Apprenticeships are great for employers, and you get loyalty from the apprentice as well. There’s this issue where young people go to university, get really good degrees, and still struggle to get jobs. With an apprenticeship, you’re building experience from day one.
Isabelle’s journey shows the power of alternative pathways into professional roles. Through her apprenticeship with Reed Learning, she is gaining real experience, building confidence, and shaping a clear direction for her future in HR - long before many of her peers will step into their first job.