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Apprentice Voice: Meet Hannah

Hannah, the Payroll Manager at Northumberland County Council, is a prime example of how leadership and professional development can go hand in hand. Leading her team by example, Hannah completed the Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship, achieving a Distinction, showcasing her determination and dedication.

Hannah’s journey with the apprenticeship programme has been transformational, both for her personal development and for her team.

She believes that the apprenticeship has broadened and strengthened her payroll knowledge significantly. “The payroll apprenticeship has been incredible. It’s been invaluable to me personally in broadening and strengthening my depth of knowledge. It’s been fun, it’s been engaging, and it’s been interactive.”

Hannah has been proactive in applying what she’s learned, using her new skills and insights in her day-to-day work. She values the structure of the apprenticeship, which allows her to grow her professional capabilities while continuously learning on the job.

“The course content has been really useful in my day-to-day job, and it’s really good to finally get a grounding in the payroll basics.”

Hannah’s passion for learning hasn’t stopped with her own development. Eager to elevate her entire team, she has worked closely with Northumberland County Council to enrol nine additional apprentices on the Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship. Her enthusiasm for fostering professional growth has had a ripple effect throughout the council’s payroll department. “As Payroll Manager at Northumberland County Council, my hope is to get every member of the payroll team through the qualification. I have already recommended the course to external clients too.”

A group of five employees from northumberland county council stand holding up their certificates

One of the key elements that made the apprenticeship so effective for Hannah was the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. “The group sessions have allowed us to talk in depth about the practical side of payroll, sharing best practice techniques, ideas, and views with peers from across the country.”

Hannah also appreciated the wide range of resources available to support her learning, especially the online Moodle platform. “The Moodle resources are great. The quizzes and revision materials are well-organised and accessible, allowing me to embed knowledge and feel clear on my direction and progress.”

Hannah’s apprenticeship experience has been enhanced by the ongoing support she has received from her tutors, ensuring she always had the guidance needed to succeed.

“I’ve loved doing the apprenticeship. The support from the team has been superb. I’m learning in every session, and I’m able to start using what I’ve learned in my day-to-day job.”

The apprenticeship programme has also helped her reflect on her professional standards, giving her a better understanding of how her work fits within the larger framework of payroll management. “Building my portfolio has helped me reflect on how my job fits with the payroll professional standards.”

Thanks to Hannah’s proactive leadership, the payroll team at Northumberland County Council is on a path to greater professional development. She has already recommended the apprenticeship to her team and external clients, confident that it provides the tools necessary for growth and success. “I’ve recommended to my team that they should all try to do the apprenticeship when the next cohort goes through.”

Hannah’s story highlights the power of apprenticeships in fostering both personal growth and team development. By leading by example, she has not only enhanced her own skills but has also inspired her entire payroll team at Northumberland County Council to pursue further education and professional advancement. Through structured learning, interactive sessions, and consistent support, Hannah is creating a culture of continuous development in her department. “I’m so pleased we found you as a training provider and would recommend it to anyone.”

If you are an employer interested in offering either the Level 3 Payroll Administrator , or the Level 5 Payroll Assistant Manager Apprenticeships to your employees as part of your Learning and Development plan, visit our Apprenticeships and Work Based Training pages to see how GoLearn can support you.