Strive job

Strive Supply Chain continue
to invest in Apprenticeships.

We are delighted to announce that
Alexandra Rowland Jones has passed her
Business Admin level 3 via an apprenticeship.
This carries forward a long tradition of our
support for this excellent scheme.
We have worked closely with Damar Training
who operate to the same high standard’s
as ourselves.
The following interviews will emphasise
to all the huge benefits that are brought to a
business when investing time & money
in younger apprentices. Above all else it shows
that an Apprentice with the right attitude
& work ethic can be a key part of any team as
is very much the case with Alexandra.

Q&A with Alexandra Jones
What is your job title?
I operate as a Recruitment Support Executive…although I tend to do much more besides!
Summarise your day to day responsibilities?
My main responsibility is to support all colleagues and ensure administration & related IT processes run
smoothly. Each day varies dramatically from processing high daily volumes of vacancy applications, managing
all the company social media platforms, maintaining our client & candidate database & researching
industry news & innovation across the Supply Chain arena. I also manage a variety of projects across marketing,
IT, data manipulation & much more– there is never a dull moment!
You have recently celebrated 3 years at Strive! Tell us
more about your journey, what were you doing before
Strive & since joining how has your role developed?
Before Strive I was a PA/Credit Controller but alas was made redundant with nothing to show for it! I knew
at the age of 21 I would have to start from scratch and gain as many qualifications as I could. Since joining
Strive I have gained a number of qualifications, I passed exams that I never thought I’d pass and developed
as an individual. My role started with general administration duties which then progressed to taking
on major projects and subsequently dealing with both client and candidates. I have gained a great deal of
self-confidence & also the ability to manage my time more efficiently by undergoing time management
exercises with Javed Ashraf [Managing Partner].keting, IT, data manipulation & much more– there is never
a dull moment!
How were you introduced to Damar & in turn Strive?
I called Damar directly through a job advert in my local newspaper. They invited me along for a registration
morning and my contact told me I had an interview with Strive on that afternoon! I remember on the bus
journey home getting an email from Damar with an offer of employment on the SAME DAY!
What level of specific support has your manager at Strive
offered you?
Anything from professional support to personal support – everyone at Strive are amazing! Javed (Managing
Partner) supports me 100% and has gone out of his way to ensure my skills/abilities are developed as
an employee as well as my well-being. We all at some point have personal issues that can affect work and
Javed has always been approachable. Family bereavements have put pressure on my life/work at times and
Javed has always been supportive and showed empathy. We have developed a good friendship along the
way. With this in mind, having a manager like Javed is a blessing, many companies should take note!

What qualifications did you gain through Damar?
Advanced Apprenticeship in Business Admin - Diploma in Business Admin (QCF)
Intermediate Apprenticeship in Customer Service – NVQ Certificate in Customer Service
Functional skills in Maths, English Speaking & Listening, English Writing, English Reading,
Business Skills and IT.
What level of support did you receive through Damar?
The level of support from Damar sensational!, Andrea and Amanda in particular. Andrea was my Training
Assessor and has been there since day one. During the time she made sure I had everything I needed and
supported me through the completion of my portfolio and the revision on my exams. Amanda gave me
extra support with my Maths revision. This initially came to be a struggle, but after various revision sessions
I passed.
What were your biggest challenges in obtaining your
qualifications?
The more noticeable challenge was attempting to pass my Maths and Business skills exams. I had not
passed a few times and needed revision sessions to ensure I got through. Javed gave me invaluable
sessions during work time to revise and make sure if I needed help he would be available.
Some people might have doubts about an apprenticeship
& also the recruitment sector - what would be your
advice be?
The recruitment industry can be challenging & people do shy away working in the sector, especially
apprenticeships but I can assure anyone that it is highly exciting & rewarding.
As for an Apprenticeship?..just do it! You earn whilst you learn! It’s a no brainer!. For me it enhances your
CV and develops you as an individual. In my experience some apprenticeships lead to permanent jobs. My
first qualification took a year and after that year Javed offered me a permanent role at Strive. Admittedly I
cried tears of joy as I’d finally found my career. 3 years on and I’m still loving the challenge!

Andrea Tyman
Damar Training Team Manager
During Alex’s qualification Javed was very supportive and played a key
role in helping Alex successfully pass her course. Javed allowed Alex
time to complete practice papers, attend additional sessions with myself
and her functional skills trainer, attending resits and providing time to
complete other aspects of her course. Without this support and commitment
Alex may not have completed the course, so thank you Javed!
Alex completed her Customer Service level 2 and then progressed to
Business Admin level 3 – having this opportunity Alex has been able to
develop her customer service and administration skills, both of which
are of key importance to Alex’s current role.
Part of the level 3 course, Alex was required to sit her English, Maths and
ICT level 2 Functional Skills exams, this has therefore armed her with
the skills that are needed for her role and more advanced admin roles.
Having passed her level 2 in ICT Alex was able to learn about advanced
formulas and techniques that she can use at work. Alex was able to use
the English speaking exam in order to develop her confidence when
speaking to people that she doesn’t know.
Thanks, Andrea.
Strive Supply Chain look forward to supporting more great team
members in the future through the apprenticeship scheme.
Suite 2, Beckwith House,1 Wellington Road North,Stockport, SK4 1AF
T: 0161 477 7555 F: 0161 477 7333 E: strive@strive.co.uk W: www.strive.co.uk