My HR Apprenticeship at Ipswich Borough Council
My name is Jess, and I am currently completing a HR Apprenticeship at Ipswich Borough Council.
I joined IBC because I wanted to work for an organisation that makes a difference to the local community. Working in local government appealed to me as it offers a supportive environment, strong values, and the opportunity to develop professionally.
I chose this specific HR Apprenticeship because I was interested in understanding how people are supported, developed and managed within an organisation. HR plays a key role in supporting employees and ensuring policies, processes and wellbeing, which is something I am passionate about. The apprenticeship here at IBC allows me to gain hands on experience while studying towards the level 3 CIPD qualification, which I felt was the best way for myself to learn and grow.
A typical day in my role, which I really enjoy includes, supporting recruitment processes, assisting with HR queries, L&D admin, updating employee records and systems, and working alongside the team on different HR projects. The best part of my role is being part of a supportive HR team and knowing the work we do contributes to helping employees across the council. I also really enjoy learning new skills and gaining confidence as I take on more responsibility over time.
One of the main challenges I face is learning to balance my work responsibilities alongside my apprenticeship studies at college. However, with good organisation, support from my team and effective time management, I have been able to overcome this and continue developing both academically and professionally.
My top tips for anyone considering an apprenticeship are to ask questions, stay organised and make the most of every learning opportunity. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and remember that apprenticeships are designed to support your development.
Overall, my experience at Ipswich Borough Council has been very positive. The apprenticeship has allowed me to gain valuable experience, build confidence and develop relevant skills that will support my future career in HR.
My Apprenticeship Journey at Ipswich Borough Council
Hi, I’m Robert and I am the Council’s Community Support Apprentice. I joined the Council in May 2025, and I am currently studying towards a Level 3 Business Administration qualification.
During my time at Ipswich Borough Council as the Community Support Apprentice, I have had the opportunity to work across both the Community Participation Team and the Anti‑Social Behaviour (ASB) Team. This has given me a strong understanding of how local authorities can help to support communities and work collaboratively with partners to improve residents’ quality of life.
My role has involved assisting with project planning, data analysis and engaging with the community at events, stalls and workshops alongside providing essential administrative support that helps both teams operate efficiently.
Working within the Community Participation, I have assisted in the Council’s grant funding processes by corresponding with community groups, taking applications to panels and by documenting important files. I have also completed important meeting minutes for a variety of multi-agency meetings, which is a skill I came into the role knowing little about, however, my team have supported me in my development, and I am now a confident minute taker. These experiences have allowed me to broaden my knowledge and understanding of different community groups in Ipswich and the support that they offer, whilst also building key relationships with partners.
My favourite memory with the Community Participation Team so far, is helping to plan and facilitate the 2025 edition of Crucial Crew, which is an annual, council led, two-week long safety campaign for Year 6 students in the Ipswich area to attend as a school where they learn vital safety messages which will keep them safe in the future.
Within the ASB Team, I have supported the handling of reports, attended stalls and action days with the police, and provided data analysis for the Team. This has given me a valuable insight into how the council responds to complex issues, applies legal frameworks, and works sensitively with individuals experiencing challenging circumstances. Working alongside experienced officers has been highly rewarding and has helped me to understand the impact that strong communication and interpersonal skills can have in the role.
My favourite memory with the ASB Team is when we joined the police to assist with ‘Safer Business Action Week,’ where we set up a stall in the Town Centre and engaged with a countless number of people, offering leaflets to signpost support services and several free personal safety items.
Alongside my role, I am studying for a Level 3 Business Administration qualification, which has strengthened my professional knowledge and supported my development in the workplace. Through both my studies and my practical experience, I have developed several key skills, including:
- Effective communication - engaging with residents, partners, and colleagues professionally, whether in person, over the phone, or through written correspondence.
- Organisational and administrative skills - managing documentation, supporting casework, minute taking meetings, and ensuring information is recorded accurately and securely.
- Problem‑solving and critical thinking - assessing information, assisting with report resolutions, and supporting decisions that contribute to safer communities.
Overall, my apprenticeship has given me a strong foundation in both community‑focused work and business administration, and it has motivated me to want to continue developing within roles that support people and strengthen the local community.
The support I have received has been incredible and has really helped build my confidence, the apprenticeship has given me the skills and experience to be able to secure a permanent role at Ipswich Borough Council, and I am really looking forward to continuing my professional development with a great company.