recruitment

New look Growing Talent is open!

Jane JamesLeave a comment

To mark our 5th anniversary in February 2019 of our planned one-off pilot in 2014, we have streamlined the framework of Growing Talent.

 

It retains all the core elements including selection without cvs, provisional permanent job offer upfront on selection by an employer, orientation week before going on site, a total of four weeks training in the vacant role and a holistic week during which life skills including personal finance, fitness, nutrition on a budget and qualification as a mental health first aider.  So what has changed? instead of 12 weeks, it’s now six weeks long.  All parts have to be completed.  There is no uncertainty when someone will be employed.

 

This will deliver transparency for employers, participants and those referring them.  Provision has been put in place to enable an extension based on individual circumstances and only by agreement with all parties.  Equally, those going into roles requiring minimum training, such as barista, will be employed after the orientation week and return for the mental health first aider qualification on the holistic week – again, by arrangement.

 

This year we move to a new training venue – etc venues – away from Southwark Cathedral.  As a public venue the facilities at the Cathedral were not appropriate.

 

Those selected by employers – known as Growing Talent Associates – will enjoy a breakfast, choice of lunches, afternoon tea plus unlimited refreshments throughout the day.  This investment should return commitment and focus thereby pushing numbers up of those going into work.

 

Diverse employers took part in 2018 including Ballymore, Connect Plus Services M25, Acuity Services, Portico, MitieTDM, Pertemps, Harris & Hoole, Scotscape, ME Hotel, Firmdale Hotels, Harrow Green & many more.

 

Some great life changing stories lie ahead no doubt………

Rethink by business needed?

Jane JamesLeave a comment

I attended the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s joint launch with London Councils of their report on London’s skill challenges.

 

Looking through the stats and research put together by their researchers – ComRes who surveyed in excess of 2,000 London based employers this year, one of the key areas I found startling was that illustrated in the feature picture of this blog.  London businesses found the following key difficulties when recruiting:

 

  1.      Applicants lacked sufficient technical ability
  2.      Applicants lacked sufficient experience
  3.      Low number of applicants for the role
  4.      Applicants lacked cv writing/interviewing skills
  5.      Too much competition from other employers

 

I found this startling because nothing has changed since I started working in recruitment in the early 2000s!  Employers have to think differently especially with the uncertainty of Brexit.  We need to think outside the box.

 

The talent that has the technical ability, experience and cv/interviewing skills is already employed!  We need to look at the vast chunks of our population which aren’t employed.  These people may have some barriers to work which in the main can be overcome by nurturing into employment.

 

We have to accept the faults of the past and address the issues to ensure we meet the skills challenge:

  • Why not train someone in a vacant role so they get the technical skills and experience before hiring – oh wait we already do that on Growing Talent
  • Why not select based on attitude and enthusiasm instead of cvs and interviews?  Oh wait, Growing Talent does that too!
  • There are plenty of applicants for the role – they just aren’t ‘polished’ at the start but become so on the journey – over 128 people from all backgrounds prove this!
  • Selection is in two stages – a speed dating session and a 1-2-1 – no cv, no traditional interview
  • Employers won’t have competition from other employers if they nurture as above and will get more commitment because they have given that support.

 

A report last year showed we have a generation of pre-school children who don’t know how to turn the pages of a book ! – most swipe as if it’s a screen!

 

Even where people have technical ability, they often don’t have the social skills.  They are glued to their mobiles, don’t know how to network, expect everything instantly etc.

 

To meet the skills challenge – employers have to be parents, counsellors, coaches – not just employers – but the results are so worthwhile as proved by Growing Talent – http://www.growing-talent.co.uk.

Mr Fixit!

Jane JamesLeave a comment

With Growing Talent 17 in full swing, I’ve been making site visits all week.  One of the stand out ones was Delroy at Ballymore in Vauxhall.

 

Ballymore were taking part for the first time – so no pressure on Delroy to impress!  Joining the GM’s team at their Empress Gardens estate, Delroy is currently looking after the day-to-day maintenance of one building.  As a high end residential block, everything has to be pristine.

 

Located adjacent to the new American Embassy the area is developing quickly with new businesses and executive homes being built in the area.

 

Ballymore not only build residential and commercial properties, they maintain and run them as well.  Meaning customer care and relationship building are just as key to success as job ‘know how’.

 

Delroy is already being looked at for promotion as the estate is growing to nine buildings and he’s only been on site four weeks!  He’s absolutely loving it.

 

As his first job since 2010, no formal qualifications and only with the experience of running his own business, it was almost impossible for Delroy to secure the right role for him through the traditional route.  Through Growing Talent, he’s been able to showcase he is right for the role with Ballymore and changed management’s mind on the talent and potential amongst the ranks of the unemployed!  They confirmed they will recruit through Growing Talent again – great news, thanks to Delroy’s attitude and enthusiasm.

 

Delroy below in his own office complete with his own tropical fish tank for those mindful moments essential in any working day!

 

A strong career with Ballymore lies ahead for Delroy if he stays on course….. A great role model for others following him.

 

GYO – Good idea?

Jane JamesLeave a comment

PWC-Growing Talent-SET (2)I run a platform – Growing Talent – devised by business for the free use of business to identify and grow their potential new talent before hiring them cost free.

 

This is a mutual ‘test drive’ for both the employer and potential new employee to ensure a confident, sustainable match.

 

This is the 2nd week of a two week run on overground trains on – Southern, South East and South Western – over 1,500 carriages in all.

 

Over the last four years, more than 125 unemployed people from all backgrounds have secured permanent roles, grown in confidence and – in their own words – changed their lives.

 

But do employers really want to try something different?  Something innovative that delivers results or just keep doing what they are doing using time, money and other valuable resources but not always identifying the right person.

 

What are you thoughts?  Is Growing Talent a good or bad thing….. please let me know your thoughts……

 

http://www.growing-talent.co.uk focussing on the holistic journey into permanent employment.

How do you…..

Jane JamesLeave a comment

Hire committed staff where you already know their personality, skills, fit with the team and your business as well as their future development progression?

Without it costing you any money?

Without it causing any risk to your business?

A source which has a four year track record?

Delivers real Social Mobility?

Has seen over 120 diverse people from all social backgrounds go into permanent jobs?

 

No – it’s not some kind of intrusive intelligence headhunting but….

 

Growing  Talent!

 

A new concept which enables employers to grow their own talent in situ and see all of the above before incurring the cost of hiring.  It makes sense for the participants too who may lack confidence to ‘sell’ themselves at interview.

 

If you are looking to add talent to your team, check out http://www.growing-talent.co.uk

New Year = New Opportunity!

Jane JamesLeave a comment

At the start of 2017, there were 27 people who really wanted to change their lives and get into permanent work – but being unemployed – they had no idea how.

 

At the same time there were a number of employers including some from the world of hospitality, business moves, recruitment, data management and business services looking to add new talent to their businesses but not knowing how to confidently recruit people with knowledge of their current and future potential as well as their commitment and reliability.

 

Growing Talent is the bridge between the two.  A supported journey for both sides to evaluate the other delivering sustainable recruitment and no surprises!

 

All 27 people mentioned above at the start of 2017, completed Growing Talent and went into work.  Their employers were confident they had the right match for their roles, teams and business.

 

To date, Growing Talent has seen 121 people from diverse backgrounds go into permanent jobs changing their lives and their employer’s perception on the talent that is missed in the ranks of our unemployed population.

 

It’s so difficult ‘selling’ your skills and potential on a faceless cv.  It’s even harder if confidence has dropped due to unemployment.  Some of the success stories of Growing Talent below………

 

Richard – mid-30s and never worked.  Dropped school at 15.  Secured a role with Harrow Green – still working there almost 2 years later.

 

Dan – a graduate who didn’t know what career he wanted.  Joined a front of house team on a corporate site as a Welcome Host.  18 months later – on their fastback programme progressing to team leader.

 

Chris – a little over 3 years ago, had a series of temp jobs in retail and some volunteering.  Was unwell with depression.  When asked why he should be given a chance on Growing Talent, he replied ‘I honestly don’t know’.  He joined a business solutions organisation on a corporate site.  After two years he moved to a hotel reception role and is now Supervisor there  managing a team!  He’s also started a degree course in his spare time.

 

If you are looking to get into work in 2018 and don’t know how – check http://www.growing-talent.co.uk.

 

As an employer, if you don’t recruit through Growing Talent, do you want to continue missing out on great talent like Chris, Dan and Richard?  It costs nothing other than time, open mind and commitment.

 

What are you going to change in 2018?

Cost of recruitment – what does it mean?

Jane JamesLeave a comment

Often the true cost of recruitment on a business is hidden.  It’s a combination of several things.  One of the latest UK stats I found was a guesstimate of over £30K!

It costs over £30K to replace a staff member

The two main factors that support this research is:

  • The Cost of Lost Output while a replacement employee gets up to speed
  • The Logistical Cost of recruiting and absorbing a new worker

On top of the cost and inconvenience to a business of advertising, sifting, shortlisting, interviewing, feedback, employment documentation – contract of employment, right to work in the UK etc and the ‘new joiner’ processes – raising a new profile for IT, issue a laptop/phone etc is the cost of the recruitment agency.

 

Average percentages of fees to be paid to an agency are:

Salary                                                   %                                Fee due

£15K                                                        14%                                  £2,100

£20K                                                        18%                                 £3,600

Over £20K                                               20+%                             £4,200

 

Using this method, apart from the cost, you won’t know if you’ve made the right choice until they’ve been onboard a while and are trained in the job.

 

With Growing Talent, a unique fee way of finding and growing new talent, you will be confident of your new hire as you train them in situ before hiring.  What could be simpler?

 

 

 

Need talent in your business?………

Jane JamesLeave a comment

Why not ‘grow our own’!

 

As the feature photo from Preparing for Shtf’s website illustrates, great veg are the result of careful nurturing over weeks/months.   The results are better than any ‘brought off the shelf’!

 

At Growing Talent we believe the same is true when looking for talent.

 

Businesses who partner Growing Talent recruit people they wouldn’t normally with solid sustainable results.  Retention and commitment increases. As does, team spirit, morale and productivity.

 

Growing Talent, the B2B forum that brings the unemployed, employers and JobCentre Plus together, is completely free to use.  Funded by business for business to take a leap of faith.  No cvs and no job description. Why pay for your talent when you can Grow Your Own and get great diversity at the same time?

 

Over 111 people have secured permanent jobs.  Some have never worked before.  Some are graduates and some have solid employment history at all levels.  The nurturing selected individuals receive in situ gives the opportunity for them to showcase their skills, potential and fit with the business without trying to ‘sell’ themselves in a traditional interview.

 

With many success stories, we begin the next round on 18 September with the first stage selection.

 

If you need to recruit – why not ‘grow your own’? It’s easy partnering Growing Talent.

 

Final thought:  A recruitment company charging 18% on a £20K salary will cost £3,600.  Growing Talent is free!

 

New sales pitch – what do you think?

Jane JamesLeave a comment

Over the three plus years I have been delivering Growing Talent, I’ve found it difficult to get new employers involved.  They love the uniqueness and success rate – and the fact it’s free! – but rarely put their jobs forward.

 

Instead of sending our short factual information, I’ve been advised to try something more ‘sales’ themed.

 

So I’m going to try the following but would be grateful to hear any thoughts…….

 

“Want to be part of the solution to London’s unemployment?

Want to develop raw talent into a priceless gem?

 

Growing Talent is an inclusive, free facility for bringing the unemployed and employers with permanent roles together on a maximum 12 week programme to secure new talent confidently. This is not an apprenticeship scheme but a genuine initiative that has proven to be a success for many employers and job seekers.

 

Our website has films and case studies from employers and their new employees – www.growing-talent.co.uk.

 

In short, employers select potential new hires from a pre-screened talent pool and trains them in their vacant role.  At the point of hire, both are confident on the match delivering sustained recruitment.  Open to anyone over 18 from all social and academic backgrounds, Growing Talent delivers diversity automatically.”

 

Growing Talent & The Minister for Education…..

Jane JamesLeave a comment

I had an interesting call from the management of East London Job Centre Plus last night.  Damian Hinds MP and Minister for Employment had visited one of their sites to see how they are working with the unemployment on their journey back to work.

As luck would have it, Natasha was in the middle of doing a pre-screening session for Growing Talent.  This is an information session where unemployment people learn about Growing Talent and the potential opportunities it presents to them.

Impressed by the unique business-led mentoring forum which is Growing Talent, Damian asked Natasha and her manager Suk to send him some key details to present at The Sun employment roadshow at the Oval 28 June.

Hopefully more employers will be interested in this unique route to secure great talent within their business and get in touch.  110 people have secured permanent jobs through Growing Talent.  The unique point is, if all 146 people who started, had completed, they would all have gone into work.

The provisional job offer upfront, training and mentoring in the vacant role makes this a ‘no brainer’ for all.