Meet Ffion King: Inspiring Young People to Choose an Apprenticeship

Are you a young person leaving compulsory education and unsure of your next step? Did you know an apprenticeship can be a great alternative to university, allowing you to gain practical experience while also continuing your education? In this article we share the journey of our Senior HR Business Partner, Ffion King, who started her career as an HR apprentice.

Ffion started as an Apprentice at Corus Strip Products following the completion of her A levels. She knew she wanted to work with people and an HR apprenticeship would give her the opportunity to do so. By gaining a comprehensive understanding and experience in a wide variety of HR tasks and processes, Ffion was provided with the fundamental training that helped her to quickly progress into other HR roles.

Working at Corus as an 18-year-old was a challenging but rewarding experience. Ffion quickly learned that communication and building strong, credible relationships were key. She also realised that the HR function provides a critical role in supporting and enabling the manufacturing teams to be successful. A role in HR encompasses all aspects of people management, such as development, succession planning, recruitment, retention, recognition, health surveillance, mental health and well-being, making it both interesting and exciting.

Ffion has been fortunate throughout her career, working for several large organisations mainly within the manufacturing sector. Developing through the HR structure from Apprentice to HR Admin, HR Advisor, Senior HR Advisor, HR Manager, and now Senior HR Business Partner Ffion gained a business degree and later the CIPD qualification. She has also gained a wealth of knowledge through working with trade unions and learning Lean tools and techniques, which she has applied to all her roles. Working as a Senior HR Business Partner has allowed her to work closely with all functions of an organisation and develop her skills as a business leader.

We asked Ffion if she has any advice for young people leaving compulsory education.

“Do not feel pressured to go to university. An apprenticeship provides the opportunity to gain practical experience while also continuing your education at college or university and gaining formal qualifications. Being in a working environment opens your eyes to other jobs or roles in an organisation that you may not have known existed, and as you learn and grow, you will understand more about what you are good at and enjoy, helping you to shape your career.”