For National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we catch up with Reception Administrator Lauren Thompson.
Lauren joined STEPS from Matalan. She joined as a Sales Assistant in September 2009, during this time she progressed to more senior roles in Matalan within their admin team. Lauren left this post in 2014 and joined Hubaco Ltd as part of their Sales and Customer Services team. She worked for the three company brands, Terra Nova Equipment, Field Candy and Your School Uniform.com. These were very different companies selling very different things, tents, hats and gloves and school uniforms!
When not at work, Lauren likes to listen to music and spend time with family and friends. She loves singing and where the opportunity arises, will sing along to the radio or karaoke. She also has a slight obsession with Disney and Harry Potter!
Lauren joined the STEPS team in January 2019 initially in the role of Reception Administrator and now also works part time as our HR administrator.
Q Please can you tell us a little bit about your role(s) at STEPS and how you have progressed from Reception Administrator to HR Administrator?
After starting at STEPS in 2019 I worked the as part of the reception team ensuring all visitors were welcomed to STEPS in a friendly and professional manner. I also had various administrative responsibilities as part or my role.
In 2020, I was asked to assist with the HR admin management which I enjoyed and am continuing to do this as part of my current role. STEPS offered to support me to complete the Level 3 HR course and after some thought I decided to enrol.
Q Are you working towards any qualifications in your role as a HR Administrator? (Course name, where you’re studying, how long the course is, what will be your qualification?)
I have just completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship in HR Administration, this was a 15 month course. STEPS supported me by funding the course and allowing me one day a week to study. I also had the support of the Lead Administrator and HR Officer throughout the course which was invaluable.
Q How have STEPS supported you in your role change?
STEPS have been incredibly supportive during the role change. I currently work two set days a week supporting our HR Officer with administrative tasks.
Q What are the benefits of working for STEPS?
The benefits of working for STEPS is the family feel around the business, everyone is extremely friendly and supportive. The new staff benefits available to permanent team members are extremely valuable, it gives me great peace of mind knowing that if I was unwell, I could seek medical support privately.
Q #SkillsForLife -how will/has the course helped you to develop skills and knowledge for a rewarding career?
The course has helped to increase my knowledge of HR, giving me further background as to why certain jobs need to be completed. It has also helped me to improve my people skills and how I communicate with people in different situations.