A HR professional is building her career by completing a Level 5 apprenticeship – while training to become a powerlifter on the global stage.

Beatriz Santos, who lives in Redbridge, has been working for Family Action – a charity that provides financial and practical support to families – since 2022.

Keen to progress, she enrolled onto the People Professional apprenticeship with leading training provider Realise and, this National Apprenticeship, is now imminently about to enter her End Point Assessment.

As well as her role as Recruitment Co-ordinator, the 26-year-old is also a competitive powerlifter, having recently taken to the stage in the under-57kg category at the British Open Classic Powerlifting Championships.

“With work, the apprenticeship and powerlifting, I am very busy,” Beatriz said. “I train powerlifting four-times a week, and the other days I either train with my dance company or have active recovery sessions.

“It takes a lot of grit, determination and discipline, but I love it.

“It all started when I was sick in hospital for a long time. I wanted to take control of my health and change trajectory, so I went to the gym and found powerlifting.

“I qualified for the nationals within my first year of competing. The world championships has always been my dream and I will keep pushing to make that come true.

“My Realise tutors have been very understanding and supportive about my other commitments and personal circumstances, allowing me to take a break from my apprenticeship last year as I was again hospitalised.”

Beatriz said she was keen to sign up for the apprenticeship to gain a wider understanding of HR.

She said: “It has been a very useful thing to do and I’ve been able to learn about things I’m not currently involved in, such as understanding how people are paid.

“I’ve also been able to collaborate with the charity’s volunteer team, which I don’t normally have the chance to do. It’s helped to keep me grounded. “

Beatriz, who studied philosophy at university, is hoping for a long and fruitful career in HR and said she would consider further apprenticeships in the future.

Realise’s Level 5 People Professional apprenticeship is an 18-month programme including modules in business acumen, commercial drive and digital working.

Realise is one of the UK’s leading training providers, helping more than 16,500 learners every year.

For more information, visit www.realisetraining.com