Antonia

Rotala, has not only helped my in my professional career but also as a person. To first come into the business as a teenager and now as a young adult, it has helped shaped my morals and beliefs.  

Please tell us which apprenticeship you are doing, and your job role at Rotala 

• I am doing a Human Resource Apprenticeship. My role is a HR Assistant.  

Please provide us with a brief outline of your apprenticeship journey and why you have chosen this career. 

• I started in September 2023. When I first came to Rotala it was my first corporate job, I had never been in a professional setting before and I had to learn basic skills such as how to write a professional email.  

• I have since progressed in my role and now take on roles such as completing fact finds, disciplinary’s and leading on recruitment.  I chose Human Resources as I like providing people with a voice and being their advocate whilst also prioritising the needs of the business and helping the business grow.  

What drew you to your apprenticeship? 

• I came and did work experience at 16 and absolutely loved it. I asked if I could come back every half term/ school break to gain more experience. The more experience I did the more I grew to realise this may be a career for me. I emailed and asked if a HR Apprentice role ever came available at the company, if I could be considered for it and I was. I interviewed in 2023 and have been pursuing my apprenticeship ever since.  

What made you want to pursue this role/industry?  

• I fell into the industry by chance doing work experience, but what made me want to explore it further was watching my manager in her role. She was a massive inspiration to me and made me want to follow in her footsteps.  

What does a typical day look like for you? 

• A favourite part of my role in Human Resources is that no two days are alike. The role is so broad and covers many aspects of the business that I get to experience new things each day. One day I could have a day full of fact finds and the next could be 15 interviews. I also like that as Group HR we get to work with and support different depots meaning its an even bigger variety.  

How do you balance work and study? 

• I balance work and study by sticking to a timetable. I currently work 3 days at Rotala and 2 days at University and I dedicate myself to where I am, meaning if I am at University, I attempt to complete all work for University on that day to help with separation and time management. I always plan my work and study out for the week so that I know what objectives I need to complete.  

How does Rotala support you in your apprenticeship? 

• Rotala supports my in my apprenticeship by providing me with real life applications to the theory’s I am studying at University. My manager always gives me advice on my assignments and points to consider for my research. Aswell as this, my manager places a great emphasis on wellbeing and will do regular check-ins to make sure I am balancing my workload and am feeling supported.  

What’s been the most rewarding part of your journey so far? 

• The most rewarding part is seeing how far I have come in my journey. From not being able to write a professional email in 2023 to leading on fact finds and recruitment in 2025 is a great achievement for me.  

What are your aspirations for the when you complete your apprenticeship? 

• My aspiration is to move into an advisory role. I would like to be able to coach, mentor and provide others with support when completing HR related tasks.  

What benefits do you feel Apprentices bring to Rotala? 

• I feel that the organisation gets to develop trainees into the version that they want. I feel that as an apprentice I work hard in order to give back to the company as a thank you for the opportunity.  

What would your advice be to potential apprentices about pursuing an apprenticeship with Rotala? 

• The most important thing is to ask questions and take every opportunity given to you. I think it is important to understand that an apprenticeship is a big change from school/ college. Despite still being in a form of education, it is a professional setting and will initially be out of your comfort zone. It can be challenging at times however the growth that comes with it is very rewarding.