With many employers listing experience as the top requirement when recruiting, work placements have become an increasingly popular way for people to take their first step on the career ladder.
However, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), many employers are reluctant to offer placements, viewing young people with no experience as a risk, rather than a productive employee.
Genesis Personnel, which delivers expert recruitment solutions to the north-east, understands the importance of experience and that, in some instances, it can prove to be a deciding factor for some employers.
The recruitment firm, which was established in 1975, believes more businesses need to consider the talent that young people can offer and, if managed properly, work placements can help to provide a talent pipeline for your business.
Genesis did just that when it offered 20-year-old student Catherine Ritchie a two-day-a-week placement at the firm, working primarily in reception and administration.
Catherine, who lives at Peterhead, was studying for an HNC in business at Banff and Buchan College at the time and used her initiative to ask Genesis for a placement after recognising that she needed experience to secure a job.
She said: “When I was studying at college, I knew it was important and necessary for me to get some practical experience if I wanted to gain a good job. I decided to speak to Genesis and, after an interview, I was offered a two-day placement, which I balanced with my studies at college.”
Following six months of a placement and completion of her HNC, Catherine decided that she wanted to remain working full time as she enjoyed the office environment and the fact that she was learning something new every day.
Due to her potential, Genesis supported Catherine and offered her a full-time position in October.
Genesis sales and recruitment manager Moira Murawiecka said: “When Catherine first started with us, we tried to show her the reality of the working world and offered as much on-the-job training as possible to complement her studies.
“She quickly became a great asset to the team, with her skills and capabilities developing every day. Catherine has really been a good example of how well work placements can work for some people, with an abundance of enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, so we knew she had to join the team full time.”
As Genesis Personnel has offices in Aberdeen and Peterhead, Catherine commutes regularly between the two offices, covering reception and admin duties in both locations. This includes meeting and greeting job candidates, processing CVs and uploading to online systems, assisting and supporting the busy recruiters and general reception duties.
“The best part of the job is getting to meet new people every day, with potential job candidates coming into the office for interviews and registration,” Catherine said.
“I also receive thorough on-the-job training to learn the different procedures and processes used within Genesis and, as we are a relatively small team, if I have any problems I can speak to my seniors or the management.”
If organised correctly, work placements can help employers gain new talent, fresh ideas and a more engaged workforce, while also helping boost the local economy.
As well, they can significantly help young people to improve their confidence, employability and prospects in the broader job markets.
Catherine said: “Undertaking a placement at Genesis Personnel has been invaluable for my career, helping me to progress in various aspects.
“I have gained first-hand experience and insight of the industry, and also developed my teamwork and interpersonal skills.
“Working in a proactive team, I have also been given additional responsibilities within my role, helping to build my confidence, which is essential for my career path.
“Without a placement, I may not have been able to secure a job like this and I would recommend carrying out a work placement as it was hugely beneficial for me.”