Last year we featured Kristena Lyew as part of our NAW2023 celebrations (click here to read more), at the time she had only been with us a month as an HR Apprentice specialising in Health, Wellbeing and Diversity.
One year later and we’re delighted to say Kristena is now a permanent part of DHU’s People and Culture Team as an Administrator, a perfect example of a successful apprenticeship in action and of DHU’s investment in career development.
Kristena told us: “When I started as an apprentice I didn’t think I’d be able to make it permanent; I was on a fixed one-year contract and committed to my qualification. But one day April (DHU’s Organisational Development Specialist for Corporate Services – click here for more) told me about a position that had come up as an Administrator and encouraged me to apply. I went through a thorough process of researching, applying for the role and the interview process and was delighted when I was successful. I started my apprenticeship on January 9th, 2023, and started this new position on January 8th, 2024.
Career Progression
“I didn’t think there would be a point where I’d be able to stay but the experience I learned during my apprenticeship was invaluable. My modules required me to research DHU’s vision and values, understand how we present ourselves as a Community Interest Company and as individuals representing DHU so I understand the organisation which certainly helped me in terms of knowledge during my application and interview.
“Working here permanently will give me the chance to develop further, I have a clear career path and, from what I’ve seen here, DHU promotes career progression. In the past year I’ve seen people move up, be promoted and learn new skills; it’s encouraged, I’ve seen it for myself and now I have the chance to do that and see how far I can go. I’m excited about it and since starting permanently, people have been so supportive whilst I finish the apprenticeship modules I started a year ago.
“My advice to anyone thinking about an apprenticeship is to do it. I had a degree and could have used that, but I wanted to explore the world of HR and my degree didn’t enable me to do that. The apprenticeship gave me the chance to change direction towards something I wanted to do and now I have a year’s experience under my belt at an organisation that gave me that chance and who I know will support my career path. I’m so excited to see where this opportunity will take me.”
You can find out more about our apprentices and coverage of their stories by following the below links...
Magda's career development - Click here
Anni's Apprenticeship - Click here
April's Apprenticeship Overview - Click here
Kristina's Video Interview - Click here
Publish date: 28 February 2024