Christopher Brennan of Altum HR has been named Highly Commended in a prestigious national HR award, recognising his achievements as an emerging professional in the industry.
An apprentice HR consultant from Altum HR, based in Altrincham, Greater Manchester is celebrating after receiving national recognition at this year’s CIPD People Management Awards, which brought together professionals and organisations from across the HR, learning and development, and organisational development sectors to celebrate excellence, innovation and creativity.
Christopher Brennan was awarded Highly Commended in the Michael Kelly Outstanding Student Award, a national category open to individuals who are currently studying or have completed a CIPD qualification since January 2021.
The award recognises students who have taken the knowledge and skills gained through their CIPD studies and used them to deliver a meaningful and measurable improvement within their organisation.
Entries were assessed against key criteria including individual contribution, initiation, implementation and evaluation of a significant HR improvement project.
For Christopher, who is still relatively new to the HR profession, reaching the national shortlist was already a significant achievement before receiving the Highly Commended recognition.
Christopher said: “It was very much a pinch-me moment. To even make the shortlist was a big achievement for me, but to then receive this recognition was a huge shock. I am still very new to this industry, so to be recognised by the CIPD was a very proud moment.”
Christopher also credits the support and opportunities he has received at Altum HR for helping him develop both professionally and personally.
He added: “I work for a business who allows me to be me, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. They support me and have given me opportunities that I know I wouldn’t get elsewhere. I have learnt directly from a mentor, and I just hope I have made them proud, as without them none of this would have happened.”
When Christopher first joined Altum HR, his people skills immediately stood out — an essential quality for a career in human resources.
Recognising his aptitude, enthusiasm and drive, Altum HR enrolled Christopher directly onto a CIPD Level 5 qualification, a degree-level professional qualification, with the confidence that he could successfully balance both the academic and practical demands of the course.
That investment has now been rewarded with national recognition, highlighting the potential of apprentices and emerging professionals within the HR sector.
Christopher’s manager, Tara Philips, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for Chris and really well deserved. He’s put in a huge amount of effort and has been a real asset from day one — such a positive example of what an apprentice can achieve.”
The recognition is a significant milestone for Christopher as he continues to build his career in HR, while also demonstrating the value of combining professional qualifications with hands-on workplace experience.
