Take a look at our Q&A with Dina, our Apprentice Recruitment Coordinator!
What do you do as part of your day-to-day role?
The main aspect of my role is to work with applicants and employers to recruit apprentices in placements across the South and South West. My day is structured around each employer and applicant’s journey.
I will contact our new and existing applicants and take them through the pre-screening process. A pre-screen is a great way to get to know the applicants, find out what they are looking for and then passing them through to employers by sending their CV, with my notes off or booking in for an interview if they are suitable. I will then send out confirmation emails to the applicant and employer.
I also liaise with employers regarding applicants including getting interview feedback, booking interviews and generally keeping up to date with them.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
I love pre-screening. Every day is different for me but the enthusiasm and passion I hear on the phone makes me so excited to be involved in these people’s future.
It is common for potential apprentices to have no childcare/business administration/customer service qualifications and little to no experience, so their CVs are never going to sing their praises in those specific areas. Pre-screening gives me the opportunity to sell an applicant. I like to have an in-depth conversation with them for a number of reasons, firstly so I can best sell them, secondly to get to know them and thirdly to try put their mind at ease before the interview. A lot of my questions come up in interview so they are a bit prepared! My job is particularly rewarding when I get someone with passion on the phone or when a shy applicant comes out of their shell with me and then performs well at the interview.
What can apprentices expect from you?
I always ask the same set of questions to each applicant, even if we do deviate! I make sure I have checked journey times to see how realistic their journeys would be even for our nurseries early starts and late finishes. I’ll talk through their CV and give them advice on how to prepare for an interview, what to take and reassure them they will be fine! I offer the apprentices the role or tell them if they are unsuccessful and communicate with compliance – if they are a Tops Apprentice – and the training team. I’m always on the other end of the phone before and after the interview and job outcomes to support applicants.
What can employers expect?
I will do a thorough pre-screen of each individual candidate so they are of the highest quality before. That I will send their CV and my notes to them and be available to answer any questions. I keep them up to date with how their vacancy is performing and make sure they are looking at the CVs so they don’t lose out on amazing candidates. I book their interviews for them and stay in contact before and after as well as making contact with the training team.
What advice would you give to people considering an apprenticeship?
Firstly, you don’t have to be straight out of college or school to do an apprenticeship. There isn’t an age limit and it’s a great way to go into a career you have little experience in whether you are leaving school or just want a career change. There are a number of funding options to support non-school leavers who wish to start an apprenticeship, or there are even finance options available.
If your learning style is hands-on rather than classroom-based, an apprenticeship could be perfect for you!
What advice would you give employers looking to recruit an apprentice with Aspire Training Team?
Apprentices don’t have masses of experience, but that is no reason to be put off! You can mould and shape them into a successful employee, whilst getting a fresh approach and new ideas to your business! Apprentices just want to get stuck in and get into their new career.
Aspire have dedicated assessors who give a personal touch to what they do. We also offer great courses to employers too, so whilst your apprentice is training, you can upskill your existing team too.
