Chris’ Apprenticeship Journey: Finding His Place

Chris’ route into HR didn’t come through a traditional academic pathway. Before joining Altum, his background was entirely self‑employed and heavily reliant on verbal communication. Today, he’s completed his Level 5 CIPD apprenticeship and is progressing through his Level 7 CIPD qualification – a journey that’s been as much about personal growth as professional development.

Learning to Communicate with Confidence

One of the biggest changes Chris has experienced through his apprenticeship is in how he communicates. Academic writing was completely new territory and initially a challenge but one that paid off:

“My background relied on verbal communication, so putting that into words was challenging. Looking back now, I can really see how far I’ve progressed.”

Developing these writing skills has strengthened the way Chris communicates with clients, from written advice to formal letters, helping ensure clarity, professionalism and confidence in every interaction.

Skills He Didn’t Expect to Gain

Academic writing wasn’t just a skill Chris developed – it became a turning point. Learning how to structure arguments, explain complex HR matters clearly and document decisions effectively has enhanced both his client work and internal collaboration.

A Moment of Pride

Completing his End Point Assessment (EPA) was a milestone Chris won’t forget:

“Seeing my name on that certificate is something I’ll forever be proud of.”

Reaching the final stage of his apprenticeship meant demonstrating the knowledge, skills and behaviours he’d built over time – a powerful reminder of how far he’d come.

Why HR and Why Altum

For Chris, choosing to build his career at Altum was about belonging:

“Being part of a business that cares, that wants you to develop and supports you along the way – it was the best decision I made.”

Moving from self‑employment into a supportive team environment gave Chris the space to grow, learn and gain confidence in his career direction.

Feeling Valued Through Responsibility

Chris has been trusted to lead new projects and support the development of others, passing on what he’s learned through his apprenticeship. That trust has reinforced his confidence and sense of value within the team.

A Career Turning Point

In April 2024, Chris faced a moment of doubt about whether this career was right for him. With support from Altum and his family, he took a step back, recognised his progress and regained clarity:

“That moment changed everything. I haven’t looked back since.”

Changing Perceptions About Apprenticeships

Chris is passionate about one key message:

“Age is just a number. It’s never too late to learn something new and develop new skills.”

His Advice for Future Apprentices

Chris encourages anyone considering an apprenticeship to fully explore their options:

“Find a provider that suits your lifestyle, make time for it, and give yourself every chance to succeed.”

And if he had one line on a billboard?

“Hands‑on experience, endless opportunities.”

How This Benefits Our Clients

Chris’ journey is part of a bigger picture at Altum HR. By investing in apprenticeships, we strengthen the expertise, confidence and capability of our team, ensuring our clients receive thoughtful, well‑informed and practical HR support at every stage.

If your organisation needs HR advice backed by real expertise and a team committed to continuous learning, get in touch with Altum HR today.