Welcoming Our New Apprentices

As the new academic year begins, PIB Risk Management is delighted to welcome two new apprentices to the team. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn while building a career, and this September we’re pleased to introduce Hannah Baines, our new HR Support Apprentice, and Lauren Hunter, who has joined us as a Business Support Apprentice.

We sat down with Hannah and Lauren to hear more about their journeys, their ambitions, and what excites them most about working at PIB.

Meet Hannah Baines – HR Support Apprentice (HR Consultancy Team)

For Hannah, HR was a natural choice. She was drawn to the idea of making a real difference to people’s working lives, while also helping the business perform at its best.

“HR sits at this really interesting intersection,” she explained. “It’s about combining empathy and problem-solving with data-driven thinking. You get to improve processes like hiring and onboarding, but also focus on things like wellbeing and development, which really shape someone’s experience at work.”

An apprenticeship felt like the perfect fit. Not only does it allow Hannah to work towards her Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Level 3 qualification, but it also gives her the chance to learn hands-on from experienced colleagues while contributing from day one. What really appealed to her about PIB, though, was the culture: “It feels like a place where fresh ideas are welcomed, and where I can keep learning and growing.”

Hannah sees her apprenticeship as a solid stepping stone towards becoming an HR Consultant / Advisor in the future. She’s excited to get involved in real projects, strengthen her people-analytics skills, and build her professional network along the way.

When asked about the best advice she’s ever received, she didn’t hesitate: “You will never reach your goals by remaining in your comfort zone, success requires change.”

And if HR hadn’t been the route she chose? “I’d probably be on the path to becoming a paralegal or trainee in employment law. I’ve always been fascinated by the way legislation shapes people’s experiences at work.”

Meet Lauren Hunter – Business Support Apprentice (Business Support Team)

Lauren’s journey has been a little different. After finishing her A-Levels in business, psychology, and health and social care earlier this year, she knew she didn’t want to follow the traditional university route. “I’ve always been very practical,” she told us. “I like learning by doing, so I knew an apprenticeship would be the perfect career path for me.”

In the meantime, she gained plenty of hands-on experience, working in a pub for three years and supporting her mum’s business with admin tasks. “That gave me a good foundation in customer service and organisation, which I know will help me now, I’ve started at PIB.”

For Lauren, this apprenticeship is about building a strong base for her career. She’s looking forward to developing a wide range of skills and achieving her Level 3 qualification, which will open the door to even more opportunities in the future.

Outside of work, Lauren is all about keeping active and enjoying life. She loves going to the gym, walking her dog, and spending time with friends. “I enjoy going to festivals, holidays, and always having something planned for the weekends. I like to stay busy and make the most of my time.”

Looking Ahead

Both Hannah and Lauren bring energy, ambition, and a real enthusiasm for learning to their new roles. We’re excited to have them on board and look forward to seeing how they develop their careers here at PIB Risk Management.