Interview with Permanent Recruitment Consultant, Chris Bent

Developing Talent Through Our Training Academy

2018 was a year of opportunity and growth for First Recruitment Group, with a sizable part focusing on developing fresh new talent through our Training Academy.

The academy is developed and managed by our Training Manager, Sharon Kenyon, who has over 10 years recruitment and management experience.

This feature focuses on Permanent Recruitment Consultant, Chris Bent, who successfully graduated from the Academy in early 2018 and has gone on to develop a career with the company.

Tell us about your team

After graduating from the Training Academy I was placed into the Permanent Delivery Team. Joining the team has helped to develop my skills into a more specialist area, dealing with engineering and manufacturing permanent roles across the Oil & Gas, Aerospace & Defence and Nuclear sectors. I’ve learned a lot from more experienced recruiters within the business, especially Stephen Clarke who heads up our team.

Before First…

Prior to joining First Recruitment Group I worked as an Operational Consultant for a national transport agency. I also have a number of years’ experience working in the Security Sector.

Within my role as an Operational Consultant there was an element of recruitment, which was something that I always had a keen interest in since graduating University. The opportunity that First Recruitment Group gave me was something that I was very excited about and grabbed with both hands.

Why recruitment?

In recruitment you are rewarded for working hard and putting in the hours, but there is also a strong sense of job satisfaction to be gained from successfully representing a candidate, servicing a client’s needs and making those placements.

Engaging with people on a daily basis and knowing that you’ve been instrumental in making a difference in their lives is rewarding in and of itself.

Why First?

I’ve been a Recruitment Consultant at First Recruitment Group for just over a year now. For me personally, I wanted to work for a company with clear identity that supports growth and has structured career development; I believe I’ve found this at First.

Whether you wish to pursue and progress into an Account Management or Business Development role, or even specialise within a particular industry, an opportunity will present itself and the resources and training are always available to get you where you want to be.

Everyone here is very friendly and approachable, and they’re always willing to offer their advice and years of experience. You’re always learning on the job.

Join our team

If you would like to know more about what our Training Academy can do for you, or would like to join yourself, take a look at our Internal Vacancies now.