SUCCESSFUL WOMEN IN WIND
KAREN SHEPHERD
AND AGAIN! After my HNC and much persuasion I went on to take a degree in Business Management at Hull University Business School in 2002, graduating in 2005 and becoming HOTA’s Business Development Manager shortly after.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT My responsibilities
General Manager, HOTA (Humberside Offshore Training Association Ltd)
LOCATION Hull
TIME AT COMPANY 22 years 10 months
POSITION
General Manager – appointed 1st January 2013
CAREER OVERVIEW I started at HOTA as a course administrator at the age of 20 as one of 2 members of permanent staff, the job was my second ever, the first being YTS at House of Fraser Group.
At the time HOTA was located in Hull City Centre in small rented offices and all training was provided by third parties – Hull College and Humberside Fire & Rescue Service.
COMPANY EXPANSION
After just two years I moved with the company to Malmo Road, Sutton Fields Industrial Estate as HOTA expanded and building began for its own dedicated survival training centre.
PROMOTION AND FURTHER EDUCATION
I was promoted to Office Manager and convinced by my General Manager, Linda Ellis to study for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) at Beverley College. I never thought I would go back into education but I also never envisaged the influence of a strong minded boss!
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
developed as HOTA expanded and I became actively involved in business planning adding further training to HOTA’s Course portfolio including Emergency Response and Electrical alongside Linda and specialist instructors.
When Linda made the decision to retire I was appointed General Manager by HOTA’s Board of Trustees and officially began the role January 2013.
NEW APPOINTMENT
Linda was not only my boss but also my friend and most importantly my mentor; her’s are definitely big shoes to fill! I worked with Linda for over 22 years so I will miss her dearly however, I know she will always be available to offer advice whenever I need it, especially as since retiring she has joined HOTA’s Board of Trustees.
PLANNED FOCUS
My plans for the first year as General Manager are focused on the further expansion of HOTA’s three sites in Hull, this will include the renovation of an additional unit at Malmo Road.
Although training has been provided to many companies operating in Renewables including Onshore and Offshore Wind - 2013 will see Renewables Training added as a major training stream for HOTA alongside Offshore, Maritime, Health & Safety and others.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
Being a part of an intimate team within a small company which has continued to grow dramatically over the years is definitely the highlight of my career and long may it continue.
After checking my emails I like to have a catch up with my team to check that all is well, as from 9 a.m. my time is not my own and my office can be likened to Piccadilly Circus, dealing with anything from personnel issues and planning submissions to signing off on my ‘Successful Women in Wind’ profile and rubbing shoulders with celebrities including HRH Princess Anne and David Jason.
FREE TIME
I am very passionate about my holidays my latest being my honeymoon to Cape Verde in April. Having recently married (December 2012) I am still enjoying anything that does not involve wedding planning.
Although I will strongly deny it I am a definite shopaholic but if my husband asks - I do need everything I buy!
Karen Shepherd HOTA
www.hota.org OUR CUSTOMERS
HOTA’s customers range from individuals who are brand new to a specific industry that have never been to Hull before let alone HOTA – for example a magician going to work on a cruise ship in the Caribbean to large multinational companies who have used us since day dot.
The variety day to day is definitely my favourite part of the job which is apparent through the type of training provided and also the customers we deal with. Although I am now officially HOTA’s longest serving employee I am still learning new things which I love as it keeps me on my toes!
RELATIONSHIPS
Over the years I have built some great relationships with customers and colleagues some of which I have been working alongside for more years than I’m sure any of us would care to remember.
TYPICAL DAY
On a typical day I am in the office from 7.30, and although I am an early riser the first thing I do has to be to make a cup of coffee.
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