When Professional Energy People realised their outsourced HR setup was limiting business growth and placing pressure on leadership, they turned to apprenticeship training to build in-house capability. By enrolling Rebecca Pashley on the Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship with Whyy? Change, they gained more than just an internal HR function – they gained confidence, consistency, and operational efficiency.
Apprenticeship Impact
Since the apprenticeship began, the Professional Energy People has improved its appraisal system by 50%, brought HR entirely in-house, and freed up their Managing Director, Linda Spencer, to focus on strategic priorities. Rebecca’s work setting up policies, tracking absences, and handling all HR responsibilities has transformed how the company operates.
About Professional Energy People
Established in 2013, PEP (Professional Energy People, formerly Professional Energy Purchasing) is an award-winning, independent energy consultancy that supports commercial businesses and public sector organisations with their energy needs. Their South Yorkshire-based team deliver utility procurement and business energy solutions that focus on cost reduction, minimising energy use, and enhancing environmental sustainability.
The Challenge
Professional Energy People needed to bring HR functions in-house to improve efficiency and employee development. Appraisals were externally managed, future job roles were unclear, and senior leadership was heavily involved in routine HR administration.
The Solution
Professional Energy People enrolled Rebecca Pashley, who works in Customer Support, on the Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship delivered by Whyy? Change.
The Goal: To equip Rebecca with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take over core HR duties and improve internal processes.
Rebecca made a big difference by setting up more policies and procedures, keeping track of holidays and sickness, and taking over all HR duties from the MD. This led to smoother management and better HR processes.
The Results
- 50% improvement in the company’s appraisal system
- All appraisals are now managed internally
- Clear identification of training needs and future job roles
- More structured policies and HR procedures
- Absence and holiday tracking introduced
- Increased team motivation and engagement
Support from Whyy? Change
Whyy? Change delivered personalised, flexible support throughout the apprenticeship. From on-site training and regular apprenticeship reviews with the tutor to responsive communication, the training provider ensured Rebecca stayed on track, even after breaking her shoulder. One-to-one sessions were arranged to keep learning on course, and the face-to-face learning model helped Rebecca apply theory directly to her role.
Why It Matters
This case study highlights the positive impact apprenticeship training has on a business. For Professional Energy People, investing in Rebecca’s development has led to measurable process improvements, increased team morale, and greater operational independence.
We spoke with Managing Director, Linda Spencer, at Professional Energy People about the positive impact Rebecca’s Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship has had on their business:
What skills were you looking to gain / challenges were you looking to solve before your apprentice enrolled?
For HR to be an internal position.
What impact has the apprenticeship training had on your business?
Appraisals are all done internally, which helped to identify future job roles and training needs. Increased team motivation with new roles identified and improved the appraisal system we had in place by 50%.
How has your apprentice transformed your company’s projects, strategies, or overall direction?
More policy and procedures in place for the company, monitoring holidays – sickness and taking over role all HR duties from the MD.
What was your experience like with Whyy? Change?
On-site training, regular reviews with tutor and excellent communication and support. Whyy? Change went the extra mile when Rebecca broke her shoulder, and to accommodate her training, one-on-one sessions were arranged when needed.
What changes have you noticed since your apprentice started their course?
More confidence in the new role, better knowledge of applying learning to the business.
What would you say to other businesses considering apprenticeships?
Advise them to use Whyy Change.
Would you recommend us to other businesses? If so, why?
Yes, due to support and communication and face-to-face learning.
Rebecca Pashley, Level 3 HR Support Apprentice Testimonial
We caught up with Rebecca to hear about her Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship experience with Whyy? Change, here’s what she had to say:
“I highly recommend Whyy? Change! I’ve been studying CIPD Level 3 with Laura, and it’s been an incredibly positive experience. Laura is an outstanding teacher and guide, providing invaluable support, especially for those, like me, who feel a bit nervous about returning to studying. She creates a relaxed atmosphere where you feel comfortable asking questions.
The in-person teaching sessions have been a huge advantage, especially in today’s world where most things are online. A big thank you as well to Emma, who has been consistently supportive and always just a phone call away. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Whyy? Change to anyone!”
About the HR Support Level 3 Apprenticeship
The HR Support Level 3 apprenticeship will equip your people professionals with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to implement HR processes effectively and competently to support your business objectives. Designed for HR Assistants / Administrators / Co-ordinators who have minimal human resources experience or who want to develop their HR skills.
As part of the Level 3 HR Support apprenticeship, we include the following additional qualifications:
- CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
- CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) Student Membership
What they’ll learn:
Business Culture and Change in Context
Explore how external influences and the digital and commercial environment shape businesses and their culture. It also examines the impact of people’s behavior on organisational culture and its ability to manage change effectively.
Principles of Analytics
Learn how people professionals make both straightforward and complex decisions. It highlights the importance of using a wide range of analytics and evidence to ensure good working practices and pragmatic, value-creating decisions.
Core Behaviours for People Professionals
Discover the core behaviours for people professionals, emphasising the importance of ethical practice in creating value. You’ll explore how consistent thinking and behaviour promote wellbeing and inclusivity at work.
Essentials of People Practice
Learn how to apply the fundamentals of people practice, covering the employee lifecycle, policies, regulations, and law. You will also explore specialist subjects such as recruitment, talent management, reward, and learning and development, all essential for a successful career in people practice.
Thinking about upskilling your team through apprenticeships?
Discover how Whyy? Change can help you develop internal talent and drive lasting change in your business. Join our next Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship cohort, starting soon!
Have questions?
Book a call with our Head of Business Growth, Anne Wilson MBE: annewilson@whyychange.com
