Last Friday, our latest crop of STR Training Academy graduates were escorted to Southsea for a lovely lunch and delicious drinks at the Gin and Olive on Albert Road.
Meet our latest recruitment stars!
Accompanied by our Head of Learning & Development, Emma Murphy, and Group Director of Operations, Darren Pannell, our Consultants Becca Scears, Emily Bartlett, Jake Harris and Katie Gray, were treated to a few hours off work to take the time to consider everything they’d achieved since their first day of training, and celebrate in style.
Emma told us:
“It’s truly invigorating to have a group of dedicated and hardworking trainees join our business. They have all performed exceptionally well, and this is just the beginning of something great!”
We caught up with a few of them to find out how they’re feeling and their thoughts on this milestone.
Becca Scears
Becca is a Recruitment Consultant for our Engineering, Manufacturing, IT, Cyber & Software and Business Support focused brand, Insignis.
“I was initially attracted to a career in recruitment and particularly the STR Group as they give you the opportunity to be in charge of your own desk, but with the support of a whole company behind you, and if you put the effort in, the earnings potential is incredible.
I’m very proud to have graduated from the STR Academy and completed my first and (what I’m often told is the) hardest year in recruitment! The training provided me with the foundations I needed for a brand-new career. I had no experience in recruitment so I was starting from scratch. The Academy made sure I had all the tools I needed to build on and improve my own skills to become a successful Recruitment Consultant and a specialist in my chosen market of Oil & Gas.
My highlight so far was a trip to Aberdeen with our Group Sales Director, to meet our clients, network, discuss upcoming projects and learn more about the industry. Meeting clients and candidates in this way, really made it all come to life.
What makes STR really stand out for me is how they support each individual in their journey in recruitment in the best way that works for them. To anyone considering their next steps after graduating, if you’re hard-working, dedicated and looking for a rewarding job, STR will support you all the way.”
Jake Harris
Jake is a member of the Talos Automation team, and is incredibly proud of his accomplishments so far.
“I look at the journey from starting the academy to finishing, it took time and effort but was worth it to learn all I needed to know about recruitment and I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve achieved to date. When I joined STR, I’d always worked in a sales environment and was looking for a role I could genuinely enjoy, with great financial rewards and the right work/life balance. I’d been following STR’s social accounts, and it looked an incredibly fun place to work.
The STR Academy is brilliant and gave me the stepping stones I needed to be able to do my job to the extent that I’ve won Employee of the Month, Employee of the Quarter and Graduate of the Year! If you’re considering a career in recruitment, you’ll get so much out of joining STR – you’re never left on your own and are constantly given the guidance and support to succeed.”
Emily Bartlett
Life Science brand Blackfield Associates’ most recent grad is Emily Bartlett. Like Jake, she’d previously worked in a sales-focused role and was intrigued by the promotional pathways and earning potential that recruitment offered.
“What excites me most about recruitment is the opportunity to oversee the entire journey from start to finish. Despite its sales-oriented nature, recruitment allows me to build meaningful relationships with candidates.
I chose STR Group because, when I applied, I was contacted within minutes and the whole process from interview to offer was great. I was prepped for the interview, and I felt the TA team were genuinely interested in my thoughts and questions. Additionally, as STR is comprised of 5 brands, specialising in different STEM markets, I was able to work in a field that had always interested me – the life sciences.
Completing the training academy is great as it marks an important milestone in the trajectory of my career, and it’s a great way to collaborate with others within the business across different brands. It’s beneficial to see and hear other consultants’ approach to their desks. The feedback from Emma is second to none; she’s honest and constructive and always happy to help.
If you’re considering joining STR, do it! Something that makes the business really stand out for me is the honest and open approach. Before joining I was walked through what recruitment is and how it can be tough, but if you persevere you will reap the rewards!”
Join the team!
Does a career in recruitment sound like it could be what you’re looking for? The great news is that the STR Group is looking for Graduate talent right now! Contact Iona, our Talent Acquisition Team Leader, to find out more and get your application started today.











