Recruitment academy prepares to train class of 2007

With an ongoing ëwar for talentí in the recruitment sector, GW Professional, which comprises the FSS and Crone Corkill brands, has recently enrolled its latest group of candidates into its successful bi-annual academy. The academy allows those with no experience of the industry to learn all aspects of consultancy over an eight week period and is GW Professionalís answer to the major shortage of recruitment consultants, allowing them to effectively grow and develop their own talent.

The training scheme is a fun and energetic programme which aims to give new consultants the theoretical and practical knowledge they need to succeed in recruitment. After passing GWís assessment centres, between eight and ten new consultants enter the programme. They receive a dedicated support network in the form of trainers, personal mentors and buddies who guide them through the eight weeks and assist them in activities and weekly targets. The training covers all aspects of the job, from ìhow to interview a candidate effectivelyî to ìdelivering client and candidate interview feedbackî to ìattending a client meetingî. These tasks are not only taught in theory but put into practice each week.

At the end of the academy, students are tested on their knowledge and ability through three key assessments and a final presentation of their achievements in the programme. Each student will also have a business plan for the following six months together with regular reviews and meetings leading up to the consultantsí three and four month probationary reviews with their manager.

ìItís methodology of classroom, foundation level training and back at the desk activities have achieved great resultsî says Paul Marsh, HR Director at GW Professional ìand the process gives our students a fast track integration with a support network to help them through their desk set up.î

The academy has proved successful for both its students and the brands. Charlotte Carroll and Katie Rolstone attended the last academy programme in March 2007 and are now consultants with GW Professionalís office support recruiter, Crone Corkill. ìOur trainers were always very approachable and supportiveî says Carroll, ìnot only giving us classroom training but one-to-one sessions too. The training was very structured and this gave me more confidence because I felt I knew exactly what I was talking about.î

Rolstone adds ìThe best thing about the academy is the team environment ñ we all became good friends ñ and also, the fact that each week you get a sense of achievement that youíre getting closer to becoming a consultant. Although itís intense, it puts you in good stead for the fast-paced job!î