Apprentice Emma starts a career in Human Resources

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With a recruitment shortage looming, Story Homes is training apprentices and graduates to become the future of the business.

Local teenager Emma Chalmers of Wigton, is Story Homes’ first Human Resources (HR) apprentice, recently joining the company after finishing her studies at Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton.

Emma, 18, will be involved in many elements of the HR team and delivery of its objectives, providing support to HR colleagues, supporting the recruitment and induction process and supporting the roll-out of a brand new HR system into the business. The apprenticeship will run over two years, with further opportunities for Emma to progress within the business.

New HR apprentice Emma Chalmers

School leaver Emma was encouraged by a friend of her mum who works in HR. Emma said: “My mum’s friend said she really got a thrill out of helping people and this really influenced me in my career choice. I’m really happy to join the Story Homes team and I am looking forward to supporting the recruitment and induction processes as I think this will be really interesting. Eventually, I would like to become an HR Manager within Story Homes.”

Helen McGuinness, HR Advisor at Story Homes, will be mentoring Emma throughout her apprenticeship and said: “Story Homes is actively seeking to recruit young talent and Emma is an excellent addition to our team. She will be mentored throughout her time with us and she’ll be involved in a diverse range of tasks to aid her development and progression in an HR role.

“We will start our graduate programme in September and Emma will be working alongside our new graduates and will be instrumental in our recruitment of young people into the business.”

Emma has previously worked in a local cafe and also works part-time for CFM Radio, assisting on and running events.

Story Homes is investing heavily in recruiting talented colleagues to aid ambitious expansion plans and has recently launched a new careers website as part of the recruitment drive.

For further information visit www.storyhomes.co.uk/careers