Recruitment
“Caren is a relative newcomer to the Rail Industry but in the last few year has stood out as a committed professional who cares passionately about the development of staff within Cross Country.
Her enthusiasm, positivity and forward thinking approach enables staff, training teams and training providers to enjoy their roles knowing that a well supported plan will be in place.
What sets her apart is her willingness to go the extra mile, speaking with other organisations to share ideas and best practise.
All the Cross Country learners we are involved with speak highly of her as she arranges to introduce herself to everyone they get through their L & D doors, offering them un-waivered support no matter what level of experience.“
“Learning, development and investing in people – Caren Alderwick
Caren Alderwick joined Cross Country in 2020 as our Apprenticeship manager, at the time we had minimal apprenticeship programs in place and development amongst our colleagues was limited. Utilising her knowledge of apprenticeships from the NHS, Caren started the work to help Cross Country establish the business to offer apprenticeships to colleagues. We all recognise that at times, the industry can be a challenge to break through and implement new initiatives without resistance however with Caren’s people focused approach, she quickly gained the buy in from directors, managers, and the unions to launch apprenticeships within Cross Country. This breakthrough opened numerous doors to colleagues who in the past may have been overlooked for development. I cannot describe the positive impact Caren’s hard work and determination have had on our people. The dedication and passion she has for developing people is admirable and without this many colleagues would not have the opportunity to develop. There is no doubt that colleagues are more engaged within our business due to this investment from our apprenticeship program, without this they would have never been able to earn professional qualifications and progress. Yes, there is a financial benefit for Cross Country however this is not about that, it is about our people and without Caren, many colleagues would not have the development opportunities she has given them at all levels. Caren takes time out to talk to every colleague no matter what their position, she invests her own time to help people identify what is the right apprenticeship program for them. I don’t believe I have come across an individual with such determination, commitment, and passion to help people succeed. What she has achieved in such a short space of time is incredible, over 280 Cross country colleagues have benefited from Caren’s work, and this is a credit to her. 15 different standards, levels 2-7, £750k in income generated but more importantly an engaged workforce who believe they can learn and develop within Cross Country. Whilst Caren will not put the success down to herself, I can categorically confirm this would not have been possible without her. Recently Cross Country were recognised across the industry for being a Top 100 employer for apprenticeships by the Department of Education and the business joined the 5% club for apprenticeships, graduates and formal training by the Scottish parliament. This recognition symbolises the work Caren has done with the apprenticeship program. Please can you consider this award for Caren as she deserves recognition for learning, development and investing in people.“
“Caren joined CrossCountry as Apprenticeship Manager in 2020, and since being in the business over the last few years she has signed up over 280 colleagues onto various Apprenticeships from level 2 through to level 7!
She is a great ambassador for apprenticeships as well as signing up new colleagues to an apprenticeship programme she has also worked hard to complete her own Coaching Apprenticeship qualification, where she achieved a Distinction. Caren is utilising her skills and coaches colleagues within the business.
By supporting our colleagues to undertake these apprenticeships it enables them to be upskilled and further their own development and careers.
Recently CrossCountry were successful in being recognised to become a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer in 2023 which is an accolade to the success of Caren’s hard work and dedication to the role.“
“Sine joining Cross Country, Caren has developed a fantastic Apprenticeship programme that continues to go from strength to strength. Thanks to her hard work and positive outlook, we have been recognised as a Top 100 employer for apprenticeships by the Department of Education and have also joined the 5% club for apprenticeships, graduates and formal training by the Scottish parliament.
When sourcing candidates for roles throughout the business, the advantage of offering a wide range of Apprenticeships to applicants is a huge selling point!“
“Our congratulations to you and the team for such a triumph! Everything was spot on - from the decoration of the tables, to the food, the entertainment and the band. Well done, you should be very proud (and exhausted too no doubt!)”
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