I recently came across this brand new Apprenticeship Scheme for the recruitment industry which seems to me like a interesting opportunity for newcomers looking to enter the recruitment sector, and for recruitment businesses looking to expand their team. Whilst there’s no shortage of training opportunities in the industry there hasn’t until now been a dedicated scheme for recruiters targeted at entry level and I think this kind of scheme could be a really effective way of helping to professionalise the industry.
The scheme is being run by Expedient Training Consultancy, who have created 150 placements spread across London, Manchester, Nottingham and Birmingham. The apprenticeship scheme is suitable for niche boutique agencies, high street brands, global consultancies or recruitment divisions within corporations.
The scheme funds the training element of the apprenticeships, which can be worth around £6000, and includes the REC’s Certificate in Recruitment Practice. The employer pays the apprentice a salary (which can be at the lower end of the scale due to the regulations governing apprentices). However, I understand that the employers that Expedient are currently working with are paying their apprentices competitively and adding in commission structures to provide an incentive. Expedient support the Apprentices throughout the 12 months with mentoring and training and the Apprentices will gain 4 qualifications.
The apprentices are typically post-A level students (although anyone can apply but the funding contribution varies for over 19 year olds). Recruitment companies can take on a single apprentice, or a whole team and Expedient are building a talent pool of pre-screened candidates which employers will have access to. Interestingly, the scheme isn’t just open to new employees – employers can also use the scheme to train existing staff who meet the eligibility criteria which could be a great way for a recruitment company to get some solid training for their junior staff at low or no cost.
There are around 50 placements remaining, and the Apprentices are due to start in September, so employers looking to expand their recruitment teams need to act quickly. To find out more visit the apprenticeship site or call Sue Reader (for Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham placements) or Paul Deen (for London placements) on 0800 612 5402.
