What attracted you to HDC?
I was first introduced to working with HDC while I was at college so I could gain work experience. Once I talked to my line manager (Paul Ashbridge) about what I would be doing within my work experience I was keen to join. I completed eight months of work experience (November 2021 - June 2022) and by the end of it I had really enjoyed my time and created friendships with the people around me. Towards the end of my work experience, Paul offered me to stay with them as an apprentice and I immediately agreed - gaining another qualification while working with amazing people (while now also earning money for it!) sounded like the best option for me when coming out of college. I started in July 2022 and am so happy that I did, it's been wonderful.
What do you value most about working here?
I most value the people around me. Everybody here is so kind and respectful and has been very helpful during my work experience and especially during my apprenticeship. I am beyond grateful for all the people I have worked with, it's been a great learning opportunity as well as a good time. I've never been disrespected or mistreated by anybody here. I value a lot at HDC, but the people are by far the most valued.
What keeps you here?
The people here and the qualifications I'll achieve at the end of my apprenticeship keep me here. The job and the work itself are great, I really enjoy working here every day and doing what I do - but you can find this type of work at a lot of places. It's the people I work with that make me want to stay at HDC, even after I finish my apprenticeship - what’s the point in having a good job if you don't enjoy the time you spend there? The people around me make me enjoy the time I spend at work even more. The qualification I'll gain at the end of it also keeps me in my position, I enjoy learning and achieving so completing the apprenticeship has been great.
What advice would you give others who are considering a career at HDC?
Do it, apply and join. The council treats you well, and so do the people around you. The flexibility within working is an amazing benefit, and this is by far the best job I have had so far - even though this is my first full-time job, all three previous jobs were part-time around my school and college studies, haha. I was so lucky to get this job, and I want to stay here for as long as I can. I’ve heard multiple positive stories about working at HDC from those working around me too.