As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’d like to introduce you to one of our rising stars at Marine People – Sofia Martins, our Apprentice Recruitment Consultant. Sofia’s journey is a testament to the commitment and dedication we invest in fostering talent within the maritime industry. Join us as we dive into a Q&A with Sofia, looking at her experiences, aspirations, and the exciting world of shipbuilding recruitment at Marine People.
Q1: What motivated you to pursue a career as a Recruitment Consultant, particularly in the maritime industry?
Sofia: “I decided to apply for the role as a Recruitment Consultant Apprentice because in the past I’d never had a role I was really passionate about.
I had always been intrigued by recruitment, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to learn new skills on the job and build a lifelong career.”
Q2: How has your understanding of the industry evolved since you started the apprenticeship with Marine People?
Sofia: “In just a few months of being with Marine People, my understanding of the industry has evolved massively.
Shipbuilding and recruitment are both completely new worlds for me. I didn’t know anything about the industry, but in the short time I’ve been here I have learnt a lot about the many different roles and requirements employers look for. I am learning more and more every day and look forward to seeing where this journey takes me.”
Q3: What skills have you developed during your apprenticeship that you find most valuable in the recruitment field?
Sofia: “The apprenticeship has been instrumental in bettering my communication and interpersonal skills.
Building relationships with both clients and candidates is crucial in recruitment, and I’ve gained a valuable understanding of effective communication strategies and relationship management that will stay with me throughout my career.”
Q4: How does Marine People support and guide apprentices in their professional development?
Sofia: “The support at Marine People is like no other.
Marine people have invested in my professional development by providing me with access to a recruitment apprenticeship programme, and the team have always been extremely supportive, offering help and advice whenever I am unsure of anything.
I have time dedicated each week for one-to-one sessions where I can get more help, guidance and working cases that I can apply to my assignments.
The company also encourages continuous learning through training sessions and online courses for the other recruiters, so that’s something I can look forward to when my apprenticeship coursework is complete.”
Q5: What does a typical day look like for you as an Apprentice Recruitment Consultant at Marine People?
Sofia: “Each day is different at Marine People. From collaborating with the rest of the team to understanding the unique needs of candidates and clients, I’m really immersed in the world of maritime talent. Whether it’s searching for the perfect applicants and analysing CVs, preparing candidates for interviews, or participating in team sessions, no two days are alike. The busy environment always keeps me on my toes and ensures that I am constantly learning and evolving.”
Q6: How does Marine People support apprentices in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
Sofia: “Marine People have supported me immensely in allowing me to balance my work and personal life.
I can do my coursework during work hours, and with the flexibility of hybrid working, I feel I can work in a way that’s most effective for me. Working from home allows me to manage my workload efficiently, whilst office working still gives me the one-on-one time I need to help with my course assignments.”
Q7: Can you share your aspirations for the future and how you see yourself growing within the company?
Sofia: “My time with Marine People has been an incredible learning experience, and I am eager to continue contributing to the company’s success. Looking ahead, I envision myself building long-lasting relationships with clients and candidates and taking on more responsibilities.”
Sofia Martins, Apprentice Recruitment Consultant at Marine People
Sofia’s journey into the world of shipbuilding recruitment reflects the commitment we have to nurturing talent within our organisation. Through her experiences and accomplishments, we see the incredible potential that apprenticeships offer for personal and professional growth in the maritime sector.
Next Steps: If you’re inspired by Sofia’s story and are eager to embark on a rewarding career as an Apprentice Shipbuilding Recruitment Consultant at Marine People, we invite you to explore our apprenticeship opportunities. Visit our careers page to view our internal vacancies, more information about the role, and to apply.
