A promotion in the bag for HR Coordinator Sam!

Since completing her apprenticeship, Sam is looking forward to a rewarding and longstanding HR career with her employer, Greenwoods.

Sam Freeman, a HR Coordinator from Peterborough always wanted a career in HR, but felt she lacked the qualifications that most employers would look for.

With a clear vision of what she wanted to achieve; Sam embarked on a Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship with Realise. Her goals were clear, Sam wanted to progress her career and build her confidence.

Sam had never considered an apprenticeship as a route to progression until she joined the HR team at Greenwoods. Sam expressed to her employer that she was keen to build her skills and make an impactful move forward in her HR career.

Sam’s role as an HR professional:

Sam told us “I found the whole experience with Realise easy and there was a real commitment to student welfare. My Tutor, Suzanne, was supportive and gave me confidence even when I didn’t believe in myself.”

It is clear that Sam’s Tutor was crucial in unlocking her potential.

Suzanne could see that Sam had excellent discipline and motivation and excelled when given the space and freedom to complete her work independently.

“From the start, Sam demonstrated a desire to grow and develop, accompanied by a strong work ethic, this commitment and dedication stayed with her throughout the programme.

Sam effectively planned her off-the-job time, making the most of any opportunities available within her workplace, and working closely with her manager to support her progress and development opportunities.”

“Sam developed her resilience and confidence as her knowledge grew, enabling her to contribute and challenge effectively to support the business goals.”

It is because of Sam’s incredible work ethic that she was able to complete the apprenticeship programme early!

A promotion for a promising HR professional!

Sam’s efforts and commitment had not gone unnoticed by Greenwoods either as she received a promotion before completing her apprenticeship.

“Combining the apprenticeship with on-the-job learning meant I picked up skills through shadowing colleagues and gaining real-life experiences. I put what I had been learning into practice and as a result, I was promoted to People Coordinator!

I believed in myself, and the apprenticeship gave me the foundational knowledge to build on using in-house policies and processes.”

Breaking old patterns and looking ahead:

As a result of completing the apprenticeship, Sam says she feels at home with her employer and looks forward to setting down long-term roots as a dedicated and engaged Greenwoods employee.

Sam believes the apprenticeship has challenged her usual pattern of moving jobs after just two years.

“Previously, before settling into a job that believed in me, I would rarely stay with an employer for more than two years because I was bored or not challenged enough. Without completing the apprenticeship, I suspect following my normal pattern, I would be looking for another role.”

Learning is for life:

Like any growth-oriented professional, Sam is set on developing her knowledge and skills for the rest of her career. Law and legislation are always changing, and Sam knows that she will need to take a proactive approach to learning and keep up to date.

“I want to use what I have learned to refine my skills and knowledge – making me an expert in the field.”

With a strong work ethic like Sam’s, we do not doubt that she will excel in her career and Realise will be there when she is ready to learn once more.

“A great example to other students Sam – I know you have a glowing HR career ahead!” – Suzanne Trainor (Sam’s Tutor)