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Learning at work: Q&A with our training programme manager

We interviewed our Training Programme Manager, Sharon Kenyon, to discuss the First Recruitment Group training programme and the opportunities it brings.

Q1: What’s your training background?

During my 12 years at First, I have worked in recruitment, account management, team management, whilst always seeking the next challenge. In April 2017, I was given the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience by becoming the company’s in-house Training Manager. This has allowed me to develop my career and skills whilst helping others to develop, which is very rewarding.

Q2: What does the training programme entail?

We took the strategic decision to hire 1 or 2 trainees at a time so that we could provide the attention they need to be successful in recruitment. This has really paid off. For the first 2 weeks, they shadow me, watching how I use the system, how I speak on the phone, allowing them to ask as many questions as they like to ensure they understand what I’m doing and why it needs to be done. In the meantime, we have training sessions covering all aspects of recruitment giving them tasks to complete, whilst learning on the job too.

Q3: What has been your highlight of the job so far?

I love seeing trainees, who haven’t been in the business very long, receive an award at our company quarterly presentations. It’s a bit of a proud parent moment and it’s nice to know that I get a bit of recognition from it too because I’ve helped them get to where they are. Another highlight was when we had a new team member join who sat with me for two weeks. When another trainee started she said to me “what I really like about you is the fact that you take a minute to analyse a person and you train them differently, according to their personality and needs”. That was really nice to hear. I certainly believe that not one shoe does fit all and so you have to adapt to that particular person.

Q4: What do you enjoy most about your job?

My favourite thing about this job is working with such a variety of people who are all willing to learn. We have trainees join the team and go on to be successful recruiters who have come from backgrounds in sports therapy, nursing and even breweries! To be successful in recruitment it’s often about having the right personality and attitude, rather than specific qualifications.

Further training at First

At First Recruitment Group, we care about the progression of our staff which is why we offer all of our employee’s courses to go on to help improve their skills and knowledge to ensure we have the very best recruiters and back office staff. Previously, we have had employee’s complete ILM Management courses, Recruitment Management Training courses and also CIPD Level 3 qualifications. We are also proud to be offering apprenticeships in the very near future.

Would you like to join our team? Take a look at our internal vacancies here.

Testimonials

"Their knowledge of the industry, our organisation and candidates is one of the leaders in the market. They have always been able to supply us with the right calibre of engineering candidate no matter what the discipline or regional location is.

"First Recruitment Group’s service delivery has always been to a high standard and the customer service provided by the team has ensured that First Recruitment Group will remain a preferred supplier of engineering personnel to WorleyParsons on our future engineering projects."

WorleyParsons

"In my dealings with First I have found them to be responsive, knowledgeable, quality-focused and engaging in their approach. I would have no hesitation in recommending the services of First Recruitment Group to any prospective customers."

Global Engineering Consultancy

"We have a good working relationship with First Recruitment and they always put every effort in to filling our positions whether it's on a permanent or contract basis. First have an honest and open approach to recruitment and their clients which is refreshing. First offer an excellent payroll service which compliments their overall delivery service to MWH Treatment."

MWH Treatment

“As the biggest services supplier to the nuclear industry our demand for personnel is significant, when I have an urgent requirement I know I can rely on First Recruitment to rise to the challenge.

“As a preferred supplier for temporary labour and a fundamental part of our permanent recruitment process we get the right people at the right time. Whether its highly technical/specialist resources or back office support personnel the approach is to the same high standard.”

Veolia Nuclear Solutions

"It’s great to work with a recruitment agency we trust. The team at First Recruitment Group are friendly and straight talking and they continue to provide an excellent service. We’re proud to still be working with them after 20 years."

Simon Carves Engineering Ltd

"First Recruitment are on the 1st Tier of Sweett Europe’s preferred supplier list. We have found First recruitment to be hugely supportive and value adding partners to Sweett, helping us source a wide range of roles. The consultants at First are hugely knowledgeable and have a real desire to listen to, and understand, our needs. They have shown an unrivalled desire to work on hard to fill roles using innovative methods to ensure they always supply us with CVs.

"I have been hugely impressed by their willingness to support us, even when we have simply been after guidance which would not attract them a fee. I would be more than happy to recommend First Recruitment Group to any prospective organisation, and to discuss in more detail their capabilities."

Sweett Group

“We’ve worked with First Recruitment for over 12 years and have built up a great relationship with their team. They’ve helped us in sourcing contractors for our chemical division, maintaining consistently high standards in delivery, and we hope to continue building on this relationship in the future. I have no hesitation in recommending First to others.”

Haden Freeman Limited

"We have used First Recruitment to support the recruitment of several key roles within our business. The quality of the candidates put forward were extremely high which helped enormously in our ability to fill all roles, also the candidates have all been a success since joining our business. They were prompt, knowledgeable and very professional and made the recruitment process for us extremely simple. The service we have received has been first class and I would highly recommend the services of First Recruitment to any Company looking to fill a vacancy."

Meadow Vale Food Group

“I have worked with First Recruitment frequently over the last couple of years. Their ability to understand our business and support me in terms of recruitment has been excellent. Candidates are screened initially to meet our requirements and taken through the process in a professional way. I would have no hesitation in recommending First Recruitment to any employer who needs that little extra support in their recruitment process."

Bokomo Foods (UK) Limited

“I have found First Recruitment to be very efficient and professional in their approach to recruitment. They were able to gain an in depth understanding of the needs of our business and source high quality candidates. I would highly recommend their services to anyone with a recruitment need.”

AAK

"First Group are one of the key suppliers to Cobham. The team are quick to respond, friendly and professional, and as such have made a massive difference to the account. The team have supported and filled a variety of roles. Without hestitation I would recommend First."

Cobham

Read all Testimonials

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