HSBC-sponsored students, who have been working as interns during the summer months, completed a team project in honour of all blue collar workers at the bank. A special ‘appreciation-for-service’ event was held during which all office assistants and janitors received a special certificate for excellent service and a gift voucher in appreciation of their loyal and hard work. “The aim of this event was twofold, with encouraging the students to work together as a team and deliver a project from start to finish as well as to pay tribute to a group of workers who often do not receive all the credit and appraisal they deserve,” said a spokesperson, adding “the project also supported and established the concept of social responsibility which is one of the behaviours HSBC instils in all employees.” Senior human resources manager, Issa Ali, said: “This was a beneficial event for the students and the staff alike.  I am very proud of the students’ accomplishments. They were responsible for the event from start to finish and delivered it with great success. Student Ahmed Hamed Sharbak, who is being sponsored through his studies at City University of London, said: “As a member of the team, I have learned a lot about leadership, people management, planning and time management with this project. “Working at HSBC this year has been a wonderful learning experience for me and I am sure for the rest of my fellow sponsored students as well.  What we have learned here, we cannot learn from books,” he added. Qatari workforce development manager at HSBC, Sara Ateeq, added: “I was very proud of the student’s accomplishments with this event. As their mentor, I can see how they grow and develop every time they are assigned to a team within the bank.”