HR Officer Claire Wheeler, who is completing an HR apprenticeship at NDS, has been featured in the Abingdon & Witney College Apprenticeship Newsletter. Read her interview below.
What interested you in applying for an apprenticeship?
'I have always wanted to develop myself further like coming to work in the NDS. I am really interested in surgical sciences, medicine and research. It’s great to have the opportunity to develop myself.'
What has been your greatest achievement?
'Passing my course because I haven't studied in a very long time. The support I've had from Lisa and the team here and also the support I have had at college has been amazing. I have overcome a lot to get here so it's a real milestone.'
Can you tell us about your experience and support you had when attending your Functional Skills classes in Maths?
'Bronwen, my Maths teacher has been amazing. Maths was something that was really overwhelming for me and I really struggled with. But now my confidence has improved dramatically and I am really grateful for all the support I have had from Bronwen. I now feel confident to overcome any situation in maths.'
The biggest change in Claire has been her confidence boost - Lisa Bjork, HR Manager
Lisa Bjork, Claire’s line manager said: 'The biggest change in Claire has been her confidence boost, Claire has the knowledge but I think having the studies behind the knowledge and a certificate to prove that she has the knowledge has definitely increased Claire’s confidence.'
University of Oxford Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity for young people to earn while they learn in a world-leading research and academic institution. They are also open to current members of staff - like Claire who joined the NDS HR team in 2022 - who are looking to making a change in their roles or careers. If you would like to find out more about apprenticeships at the University of Oxford, please visit the apprenticeships website.