WITH many employers frequently listing experience as the top requirement when recruiting, work placements have become an increasingly popular way for people to take their first step on the career ladder.
Begins a spokesperson: “However, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), many employers are reluctant to offer placements, viewing young people with no experience as a risk, rather than a productive employee.
“Genesis Personnel, which delivers expert recruitment solutions to the North-east, understands the importance of experience, and that in some instances, it can prove to be a deciding factor for some employers.
“The recruitment firm, which has been established since 1975, believes that more businesses need to consider the talent that young people can offer, and if managed properly, work placements can help to provide a talent pipeline for your business.”
Adds the spokesperson: “Genesis did just this, when they offered 20 year-old student, Catherine Ritchie, a two-day placement at the firm, primarily working in a reception/admin based role.”
Catherine, who lives in Peterhead was studying for her HNC in Business at Banff and Buchan College at the time, and used her initiative to ask Genesis Personnel for a placement, after recognising she needed experience to secure a job.
Catherine said: “When I was studying at college, I knew it was important and necessary for me to get some practical experience if I wanted to gain a good job. I decided to speak to Genesis, and after an interview I was offered a two-day placement, which I balanced with my studies at college.”
Following six months of a placement and completion of her HNC, Catherine decided that she wanted to remain working full time, as she enjoyed the office environment and the fact that she was learning something new everyday. Due to her potential, Genesis supported Catherine and offered her a full-time position in October.
Sales and recruitment manager at Genesis Personnel, Moira Murawiecka, said: “When Catherine first started with us, we tried to show her the reality of the working world, and offered as much on-the-job training as possible to complement her studies.
“She quickly became a great asset to the team, with her skills and capabilities developing everyday.
“Catherine has really been a good example of how well work placements can work for some people, with an abundance of enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, so we knew she had to join the team full-time.”
As Genesis Personnel has offices in Aberdeen and Peterhead, Catherine regularly commutes between the two offices, covering reception and admin duties in both locations.
This includes meeting and greeting job candidates, processing CV’s and uploading to online systems, assisting and supporting the busy recruiters, and general reception duties.
“The best part of the job is getting to meet new people everyday, with potential job candidates coming into the office for interviews and registration.
“I also receive thorough on-the-job training to learn the different procedures and processes used within Genesis, and as we are a relatively small team, if I have any problems I can speak to my seniors or the management.”
If carried out correctly, work placements can help employers to gain new talents, fresh ideas and a more engaged workforce, whilst also helping to boost the local economy.
Furthermore, they can also significantly help young people to improve their confidence, employability and prospects in the broader job markets.
Catherine said: “Undertaking a placement at Genesis Personnel has been invaluable for my career, helping me to progress in various aspects.
“I have gained first hand experience and insight of the industry, and also developed my teamwork and interpersonal skills.
“Working in a pro-active team, I have also been given additional responsibilities within my role, helping to build my confidence, which is essential for my career path.
“Without a placement, I may not have been able to secure a job like this and I would recommend carrying out a work placement as it was hugely beneficial for me.”
To find out more about Genesis Personnel, visit the website www.genesis-personnel.co.uk or call us on Aberdeen 01224 565010 or Peterhead 01779 476311.
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