National Apprenticeship Week 2020

In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, we have featured two of our apprentices and their journey with Searcys. Read more about their stories below.

SARAH HUTCHINGS – PEOPLE TEAM, HEAD OFFICE

What is your current role within Searcys and what does it involve?

My current role is Recruitment Manager where I am responsible for the recruitment and selection of all Searcys employees across our wonderful collection of venues! My role is extremely diverse and varied – no two days are ever the same in hospitality let alone recruitment!

How long have you worked for Searcys?

I am coming up to two years in March 2020.

Why have you chosen to do an apprenticeship alongside your current role?

I have worked in hospitality recruitment for the past ten years, and I feel I am ready to take the next step in my development. In order for me to widen my skills and experience, I also need to show my understanding of the HR role and function through my CIPD qualification.

What subject or area are you studying as part of your apprenticeship?

CIPD – Level 5

What support have you had from your team/line manager throughout your apprenticeship?

Kate has been supportive of me and my studies and offers guidance and support on subject topics, in addition to allowing me the time when it is needed to focus on my studies and my assignments.

What do you want to achieve upon completing your apprenticeship?

Most importantly, I would like to achieve passing all my assignments! I would also like to get involved with wider HR projects for my development and move my role into a Talent Management role.

How will this support you with your career development?

The more exposure I have across the People Team function, the better understanding and knowledge I will have for future roles.

What are your career aspirations? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I would love to be a HR project manager, I think this would suit my skill set really well as I love deadlines, I am very organised and goal orientated.

What is your favourite food cuisine and why?

Maybe it is because I am family orientated – but I absolutely love my Sunday roasts! Growing up it was the one day you could guarantee every week that nobody would be late for lunch, and we would have Grandma and Grandpa over. It has to be roast beef, Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings with red wine gravy – homemade!!!

ADRIANO GRAÇA – ST PANCRAS BRASSERIE AND CHAMPAGNE BAR

What is your current role within Searcys and what does it involve?

As an office administrator, I used to be responsible for Finance, HR and Health and Safety for St. Pancras. Recently I got promoted to Management Accountant – focusing on the preparation of month-end reports, budgets and financial statements.

How long have you worked for Searcys?

I have been working for Searcys for 4.5 years. I joined the company as Catering Assistant – during this period Searcys has been super flexible with me, allowing me to study and work at the same time and providing me the tools that I needed in order to pursue my dreams. For the past two years I have been working as an Office Administrator.

Why have you chosen to do an apprenticeship alongside your current role?

I want to progress in life and develop my existing skills. Having the opportunity to learn and implement what [I’ve] learned at the same time will definitely help me to achieve my career goals.

What subject or area are you studying as part of your apprenticeship?

I am doing an ACCA Qualification – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

What support have you had from your team/line manager throughout your apprenticeship?

It is not easy to balance work and studies at the same time, that’s where my line manager comes into action, he is not only a mentor but also a coach that has provided me with the necessary tools to multitask, [and] helped me to prioritize and guide me through all my duties.

What do you want to achieve upon completing your apprenticeship?

I want to be able to progress in my career, I want to be able to look back and say that I’ve worked as hard as I could and that I have used this given opportunity as well as I could.

How will this support you with your career development?

An ACCA Qualification is recognised worldwide, this will allow me a head start over my colleagues.

What are your career aspirations? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I do see myself as a Senior Management Accountant working towards a Finance Director role.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

If your next career move is in the hospitality industry or you want to become an apprentice, speak with our recruitment team for amazing opportunities at Searcys. CAREERS | CONTACT US