Hello. Has anyone found themselves at risk of redundancy while studying an apprenticeship? My company has just announced this. Luckily enough, I am safe for now but I don't know how long for. A large majority are going to be made redundant in 6 months time which I'm finding it incredibly daughting and feeling guilty. Please can anyone share their experiences? Also how did this impact on your HR role? Thanks.
Redundancy is unsettling no matter what stage of your career you are at, so you are not alone with having these feelings. In my experience as more and more employers use the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme for professional development purposes as opposed to traditional early careers training, there are more individuals that could find themselves facing redundancy whilst on an apprenticeship scheme. However it is not all bad news as levy funded apprenticeships do have some redundancy protections built in, these include the ability to transfer your learning to another employer (some time restrictions apply), the ability to take a break in learning and resume at a later date and if you are almost at the end the apprenticeship you can finish even if you are not in employment due to redundancy. Whilst your situation is uncomfortable you will definitely have some learnings that you will be able to apply in your HR career.
One of the most difficult elements of facing a potential redundancy is the sense of being out of control of the situation and coping with the rush of complex emotions experienced. Personally I have experienced redundancy twice. I would say that having a really robust consultation process with well trained managers who are able to have quality conversations, provide clear information and help a colleague to explore all options available can make all the difference in helping an employee to regain control of the situation and work out what their best options and next steps are. HR can really make a difference by leading with a fair, compassionate and listening approach.
Redundancy is unsettling no matter what stage of your career you are at, so you are not alone with having these feelings. In my experience as more and more employers use the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme for professional development purposes as opposed to traditional early careers training, there are more individuals that could find themselves facing redundancy whilst on an apprenticeship scheme. However it is not all bad news as levy funded apprenticeships do have some redundancy protections built in, these include the ability to transfer your learning to another employer (some time restrictions apply), the ability to take a break in learning and resume at a later date and if you are almost at the end the apprenticeship you can finish even if you are not in employment due to redundancy. Whilst your situation is uncomfortable you will definitely have some learnings that you will be able to apply in your HR career.
One of the most difficult elements of facing a potential redundancy is the sense of being out of control of the situation and coping with the rush of complex emotions experienced. Personally I have experienced redundancy twice. I would say that having a really robust consultation process with well trained managers who are able to have quality conversations, provide clear information and help a colleague to explore all options available can make all the difference in helping an employee to regain control of the situation and work out what their best options and next steps are. HR can really make a difference by leading with a fair, compassionate and listening approach.
