Bebe Gould is on the Level 3 HR & Support Apprenticeship, and is already looking to complete her Level 5 next. Before completing her HR apprenticeship with Gravesham Borough Council and Reed Learning, Bebe Gould was working as a teaching assistant. She loved supporting children and working closely with people, but she knew that progressing in her career would require formal qualifications and a new pathway.
Discovering the HR apprenticeship changed everything. It offered structure, a recognised qualification, and the chance to apply her learning immediately in a real workplace. “Once I finished my modules, I was taken on permanently as an HR Assistant - with a promotion and a pay increase,” Bebe says.
Once I finished my modules, I was taken on permanently as an HR Assistant - with a promotion and a pay increase.
For her, it’s proof that apprenticeships don’t just open doors - they accelerate careers. Yet at sixth form, options like this were barely acknowledged. “It was very much: go to university unless you’re going into a trade. No one explained you could do an apprenticeship in HR or business administration.”
It was very much: go to university unless you’re going into a trade. No one explained you could do an apprenticeship in HR or business administration.
Discovering a Passion for HR
Bebe’s earlier roles in retail, Specsavers, and education all had one common thread -people interaction. Communicating, problem-solving, and helping others succeed had always been part of her day-to-day work.
“I like communicating with people and understanding how we can help them,” she said. “That’s how I found my way into HR, and I’m really enjoying it.”
Joining Gravesham Borough Council as an apprentice gave her the opportunity to fully explore the HR profession. And as she progressed, her career direction began to take shape.
“I haven’t even finished the apprenticeship yet - I’m at endpoint assessment level - but I’ve already been taken on permanently as an HR Assistant. And I’m looking at doing my Level 5 next.”
I haven’t even finished the apprenticeship yet - I’m at endpoint assessment level - but I’ve already been taken on permanently as an HR Assistant. And I’m looking at doing my Level 5 next.
Learning that applies to the workplace
One of the biggest benefits for Bebe has been the immediate application of what she learns through Reed Learning. Rather than absorbing theory with no context, she applies new knowledge every day.
“Understanding legislation has helped me support staff with much more confidence,” she said. “For example, I used what I learned about quantitative and qualitative data when compiling a recruitment survey. I even looked back at my coursework to help format the report.”
Her apprenticeship also helped her build strong foundational HR skills - the kind employers value in real situations.
“I’ve learned so much about legislation. I’ve become a bit of a sponge for it recently! Now I can confidently advise people. Before the programme I wouldn’t know how to handle those requests”
Building Confidence, Skills, and Professional Identity
Bebe says one of the biggest personal changes has been her confidence.
“When I first started, I’d refer a lot of questions to someone else because I wasn’t sure. Now, when I advise staff, I know I’m saying the correct thing. There’s far less self-doubt.”
She also gained essential workplace behaviours, especially around communication.
“The apprenticeship helped me communicate better with my team. I now have enough background knowledge to have real two-way conversations: ‘I know this, you know that - what can we do?’”
This blend of academic learning and real-world experience, she says, is what gives apprentices a strong advantage.
“If I had taken the modules without work experience, I’d just take them at face value. But in HR, so much is about communication and handling situations. You need experience to know when to apply the knowledge.”
Promotions, Progression, and a Clearer Future
Even before officially completing the programme, Bebe’s development was recognised.
“I was originally on a fixed-term apprentice contract and on apprentice pay. Once I finished my modules, I was taken on permanently as an HR Assistant - with a promotion and pay increase.”
For her, this validates how apprenticeships can fast-track careers.
“At Gravesham, a lot of entry-level HR roles require either qualifications or office experience. The apprenticeship helped me get my foot in the door.”
At Gravesham, a lot of entry-level HR roles require either qualifications or office experience. The apprenticeship helped me get my foot in the door
Why Apprenticeships Matter
Reflecting on her journey, Bebe believes apprenticeships are crucial for tackling skills gaps and supporting young people into meaningful work.
“They’re a great option for those who don’t want university but still want a qualification. You get experience and a qualification at the same time. Employers support you, and they get someone learning on the job.”
She is also passionate about breaking down misconceptions.
“There’s still a stigma. I thought apprenticeships were only for trades - that’s why I ended up in university. If young people did more research, they’d see how many academic apprenticeships are out there.”
There’s still a stigma. I thought apprenticeships were only for trades - that’s why I ended up in university. If young people did more research, they’d see how many academic apprenticeships are out there.
Her message for employers is equally clear:
It’s valuable for both sides. You’re nurturing someone’s knowledge from the ground up. By the end, they already have the skills - you’re not starting from scratch.
Bebe’s journey shows how apprenticeships can provide a powerful alternative to traditional academic routes - especially for young people seeking practical experience, confidence, and clear career progression.