Published on 14 July 2017
An award-winning Sunderland student so impressed her placement company that they have employed her as their first ever graduate HR Advisor.
Chelsea Parker, from Houghton le Spring, is the recipient of this year’s Caterpillar Award, after her exceptional performance on the BA Business and Human Resources Management course. That has landed her a permanent role at the engineering company.
The Caterpillar award recognises significant achievement across a range of activities, including a good level of academic achievement, as well as having an excellent attitude towards the course.
Chelsea, 21, said: “I was fortunate enough to have been offered an industrial placement working for Caterpillar AT Trucks as a HR Assistant. My placement year with Caterpillar not only gave me invaluable knowledge and an insight into Human Resources but also strengthened my confidence in the workplace.”
Now Chelsea, who graduated with a First Class degree, and achieved the highest grade on her course, is preparing to start her career with Caterpillar.
The Award was presented by Chris Fairs, Human Resources Manager at Caterpillar. Chris is himself a graduate of Human Resources Management at the University.
He said: “Caterpillar have had a successful HR Student Placement Programme set up in conjunction with the University for a number of years now, and Chelsea is our fifth placement student in a row to go on and obtain a First Class Honours degree.
“Chelsea excelled during her placement year with us at Caterpillar and I am proud to announce we have recently employed Chelsea as our first HR Graduate in the role of Learning and HR Advisor. It has been achieved through Chelsea’s tremendous effort and dedication to all aspects of her academic and vocational work.”
The University of Sunderland’s Graduation Ceremonies are estimated to bring £1 million annually to the region and are attended by over 11,000 students, family, friends and supporters.