Apprentice Spotlight: Q&A with Yasmin Storey, Senior People Advisor at NGP

We caught up with Yasmin Storey, Senior People Advisor at NGP and current CIPD Level 5 apprentice, to talk about her journey so far, her experience of completing an apprenticeship alongside her role, and what life is really like working at NGP.

 

Can you tell us a bit about your role at NGP and what a typical day looks like?

My role is varied and fast-paced, supporting managers and employees across a wide range of people matters. A typical day doesn’t really exist, which is something I find particularly engaging. Each day brings new challenges, and it’s the unpredictability of what I’m coming into that attracts me most.

My responsibilities include advising managers on employee relations cases such as absence management, performance issues, disciplinaries and grievances, supporting organisational change, and ensuring policies are applied fairly and consistently. I also work closely with teams across the business to provide pragmatic, people-focused advice that aligns with both employment law and NGP’s values.

How did your journey into an apprenticeship begin, and what attracted you to NGP?

My journey into a CIPD Level 5 apprenticeship came from a desire to continue developing professionally while gaining practical, hands-on experience in my role. The apprenticeship route really appealed to me, as it allows me to apply theory directly to real workplace situations, which helps build both knowledge and confidence.

I was particularly attracted to NGP because it operates in a rewarding, high-pressure environment that consistently pushes above and beyond. It’s a fast-paced and ambitious organisation with a clear focus on continuous improvement. What stood out most to me was NGP’s commitment to helping people succeed in terms of both business performance and supporting individual development and progression.

How has your experience at NGP been so far?

My experience at NGP has been extremely positive and very developmental. I joined as a People Advisor and have since progressed into a Senior People Advisor role, which reflects both my development and the trust the organisation has placed in me.

During my time here, I’ve been given opportunities to take on increased responsibility, grow in confidence, and gain exposure to more complex people matters. I’m also currently on a development plan that supports my long-term goal of becoming a HR Business Partner, helping me build the strategic thinking, stakeholder management and commercial awareness required for that role.

Which moments or achievements have stood out most for you since joining?

One of the standout achievements for me has been the growth in my confidence as a people professional. Through managing a wide range of employee relations cases and taking on greater responsibility, I’ve developed the confidence to provide clear, balanced and professional advice to managers and stakeholders.

Progressing into a Senior People Advisor role has also been a significant milestone, as it reflects my development and my ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

What new skills or areas of knowledge have you developed most since starting your role?

I’ve developed a number of new skills, particularly around supporting and sharing knowledge with colleagues, helping others develop and progress in their roles. I’ve also gained increased exposure to more complex employee relations cases, which has strengthened my problem-solving skills, professional judgement and understanding of employment law and best practice.

Alongside this, my people skills have developed considerably. Supporting employees through sensitive and sometimes challenging situations has helped me improve my communication, build trust and demonstrate empathy, while providing clear and consistent advice.

Before joining NGP, did you have any expectations about what it would be like to work here — and how has the reality compared?

Before joining, I knew NGP had a reputation for being fast-paced and high-pressure, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. In reality, the role has matched my expectations in terms of pace and challenge and has been incredibly rewarding.

The environment pushes you to perform at your best and provides opportunities to develop professionally and make a meaningful impact. It’s demanding in a really positive way.

Every new role comes with challenges. Which parts have pushed you most, and how have these helped you grow?

Managing complex employee relations cases and balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment have been the biggest challenges. These situations require resilience, sound judgement and clear communication with multiple stakeholders.

As a result, I’ve developed stronger problem-solving skills, increased confidence in providing professional advice and a greater ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and fairness.

How has the support from your team and managers shaped your confidence and development?

The support from my team and managers has been instrumental. We have a strong, collaborative culture where knowledge is shared openly and everyone is encouraged to learn and grow.

If challenges arise, we work through them together, focusing on learning and continuous improvement. This supportive environment has played a huge role in building my confidence and helping me develop professionally.

If a friend was considering an apprenticeship, what advice would you give them?

I would strongly encourage them to go for it. This is actually my fourth apprenticeship, and each one has helped me build skills, confidence and career progression while gaining hands-on experience.

Apprenticeships offer a unique balance of learning and practical application, allowing you to grow professionally while making a real contribution in the workplace.

For anyone thinking about joining NGP, how would you describe the culture and working environment?

I’d describe NGP’s culture as supportive, collaborative and fast-paced. It’s a high-performing organisation where people are encouraged to do their best, and there is also a strong emphasis on teamwork and helping one another succeed.

The environment is challenging and incredibly rewarding, with plenty of opportunities for learning, growth and development.

Looking ahead, where would you like your career to take you?

My long-term goal is to progress into a HR Business Partner role, where I can have a more strategic impact, work closely with leaders and influence decisions that shape the business.

Apprenticeships are one of the ways NGP invests in people and supports long-term careers, alongside internal development and progression opportunities. If you’re exploring your next move and want to grow in a fast-paced, supportive environment, keep an eye on our careers page and see if your next career opportunity lies with NGP.