Introducing our new HR Officer
From the shopfloor to HR Officer: Karolina’s Journey at Thorpes
We often speak of the opportunities afforded to those within construction. As an industry, it continues to offer multiple routes in which to progress, and few stories capture this better than Karolina Dziakowicz’s.
Karolina first joined Thorpes nearly nine years ago as an agency worker, filling a role on the shop floor. Today, after years of progression within the business and no small amount of hard-work, we are pleased to announce that she has stepped into her new role as HR Officer, a role she has grown into from the ground up.
We spoke to Karolina about her latest role, and her thoughts on how the industry can continue to progress from within.
Starting from Scratch
Karolina arrived in England from Poland in 2014, aged just 19.
”I wanted to see something different” she explains. “I grew up on a farm and wanted to experience more than that”.
With no formal qualifications to her name just yet, Karolina worked agency roles within warehouses and factories as she established her life in the UK, and after three-years she passed her driving test, the first qualifcation that opened up new avenues, and this, is what brought her to Thorpes.
”I knew nothing about construction or joinery”, she admits “I was just looking for a new challenge”.
Learning on the job
Alongside full-time work, Karolina committed herself to education. Her Polish qualifications weren’t recognised in the UK so she started from scratch, completing ESOL, GCSE Maths and English, as well as additional IT courses, often in the evenings after long shifts.
”I wanted to be ready”, she says, “If I ever moved into the office, I wanted the skills”.
It was during this time that conversations about HR first emerged. Encouraged by one of her college teachers, as well as colleagues within Thorpes, Karolina pursued her early HR studies, balancing overtime, college and full-time work.
“I didn’t use college as an excuse; if the job needed doing, I did it.”
Bridging the Shopfloor and Office
As Karolina completed her Level 3 HR qualification, opportunities began to open up internally. She split her time between the shopfloor and office, supporting production and operations, whilst gaining crucial exposure to office-based roles and the demands that come with them.
”It didn’t happen overnight”, she explains, “The role grew slowly, a few hours here, a couple of days there, which worked well - I didn’t want to drop my old role, so I managed both”.
Over time, Karolina transitioned into the office, taking on additional responsibilities. She progressed through to her Level 5 HR qualification, working closely with members of our Senior Leadership team.
Why HR?
For Karolina, this is an easy question.
”Well, because I care. About people, about the business, about helping others grow”.
Having worked across departments, and by helping out wherever is needed, Karolina understands our company from the inside out. From production pressures, to site knolwedge and to personal circumstances.
”I know people. I know how they work, what support they need to excel. HR really is about relationships, not just policies”.
“Despite working in a male dominated industry, I have been greatly supported by management and all of the team. Every single person has pushed me further and further to reach my potential.”
Looking Ahead
Karolina has hit the ground running in her new role and has absolutely no intention of standing still. She’s currently completing her Level 7 HR qualification and aspires to progress into an HR Manager role.
Karolina’s advice to anyone looking to start, or progress within the world of construction is refreshingly and typically honest:
”Work hard, be reliable and be proud of what you do. Take opportunities and be sure to challenge yourself”.
