As part of SThree’s apprenticeship scheme, in collaboration with London's City Gateway, we have now employed another one of our apprentices on a permanent basis.
In this interview we hear from Rima about her new job as HR Administrator, following a very successful year as a SThree apprentice.
Read the interview here!
Congratulations on your new job offer. What does this mean to you?
“It means a lot! The team could have taken on someone with more HR experience and the fact that they built up a case to keep me on - I am so happy and grateful.”
What happened when you got the offer?
“To complete my apprenticeship year, I gave a presentation about my journey to 12 people, including HR colleagues as well as my assessor from City Gateway. I was nervous to present, but afterwards I got really great feedback from everyone.
Soon after, I had a catch up with my line manger, who offered me the job.
I had no idea the job offer was coming, so when I heard those words I got a bit emotional. It’s just so nice to know that my manager has faith in me. I felt teary thanking her for this amazing opportunity.
It was a lovely surprise just before Christmas, which meant I could enjoy the holiday without worrying about my future.”
How was your apprenticeship year and what did you learn?
“The year was really good and I learnt and achieved more than I thought was possible. The time went by very quickly and I was determined to give my best.
I gained HR knowledge, learnt how to use SAP and how SThree works as a business.”
What advice would you give to other apprentices joining SThree?
“Work hard and show your skills and how eager you are to stay on with the company.”
Before joining us you were working in retail. How has the apprenticeship changed your working life?
“I am so much happier in HR, I love resolving issues and helping people.
At the age of 20, it feels so good to be growing in my career and doing the job in HR that I always wanted to do.”
Thank you for taking part in some of our CSR projects last year - what was it like volunteering at school?
“I really enjoyed volunteering and it’s a great way to develop. When I was at school we had a lot of volunteers coming in and it was very useful. I liked being able to tell the students ‘anything is possible, you can do it!”
What do other people say about Rima going permanent?
“Rima came to SThree a year ago as part of the Apprenticeship programme with City Gateway. Rima has worked incredibly hard, been committed and above all shown she is an exceptional team player. Within this short period of time with SThree, Rima has shown her ability to apply the SThree values alongside delivering great customer service within our business. I am delighted Rima is now a permanent member of the HR Operations Team and wish her every success for the future.” Carla-Jane Dunton, HR Operations Manager, SThree.
“I would like to personally say well done to Rima and how pleased I am that she is now a permanent part of our team. This has come through hard work and commitment and I am sure this will continue to push Rima forward in her career,” Natasha Clarke, Managing Partner - Strategic Capability, SThree.
“This is truly great news. I am overjoyed for you Rima as I know how much this opportunity meant to you. You deserve this and I know you will continue to thrive, progress and achieve. I can only see you becoming even more invaluable to SThree,” NVQ Assessor, City Gateway.
“Rima you have done brilliantly over the past 12 months; you are a credit to City Gateway and we would like you to take on a leadership role with other young people we work with,” Account Manager, City Gateway.
Read more about SThree’s apprenticeship programme. Click here!