Groupama's first class for Graduates

Following the success of its inaugural graduate in-take in 2007, Groupama Insurances has launched its 2008 Graduate Recruitment Programme. Kicking off at the CII Careers Fair in Manchester at the end of October 2007, the latest search to identify high-calibre candidates will be supported by national press advertising, graduate job boards and careers fairs throughout the next three months.

Caroline Alexander, HR Director, Groupama Insurances says: ìGroupamaís graduate recruitment campaign is designed to attract the ëcream of the cropí. It is vital that as an industry we communicate with the next generation of employees to make them aware of the dynamic nature of our business and of the varied career paths they can follow. We canít sit back and watch talent slip through our fingers, we need to take a really proactive approach to recruiting the high-fliers of the future.î

With just a small number of positions available in the Groupama programme, graduates will face a rigorous selection process including stretching numerical and verbal reasoning tests at the first stage, followed by a full day assessment centre where applicants participate in group discussions, negotiation and pitching and present a topic that they feel passionate about.

ìWe had a tremendous response to our first campaign in 2006 with over 400 applicants so it was crucial that we had a robust selection process in place. We have worked to involve our senior people with our graduate recruitment activity, ensuring that future employees have the opportunity to meet the real decision makers. This was seen as a really positive step by applicants last year and undoubtedly gave us an advantage over other companies.î continues Caroline Alexander.

But just as important as the selection process is ensuring that successful graduates have a thorough and informative induction to the business. Groupama has therefore devised a weekís orientation programme which includes visits to various Groupama sites and meetings with all areas of the business ñ from IT to underwriting. This is concluded with a day in France at Groupamaís Paris head office where they were invited to network with senior managers from Groupamaís international division and understand more about the heritage of the organisation they have joined.

Caroline Alexander concludes, ìThe whole recruitment process has been a very positive experience for us and resulted in five highly talented individuals joining Groupama in 2007. Alongside this is our ongoing involvement in the CIIís Talent Initiative with our attendance at the launch event in Glasgow in 2006 and this yearís fair in Manchester. The success of our graduate recruitment programme illustrates the importance of getting out there and engaging with potential employees, helping them to see that insurance is exciting, fast-paced and full of opportunities.î