Graduates struggling to find work in an increasingly competitive market should gain as much experience as they can in the workplace, according to Karen Tirebuck, Managing Director of Solihull-based Tirebuck Recruitment.
Tirebuck recently provided short term work experience for Birmingham University graduate Lauren Gripton, with funding support from Graduate Advantage, which gave her one foot on the ladder towards her new role at Paramount Recruitment.
Karen Tirebuck, Managing Director, Tirebuck Recruitment, commented,
“There is no replacement for ‘hands on’ experience. We know that many line managers will not consider interviewing a graduate candidate if their CV does not demonstrate some work experience, and any time spent in a work environment could yield valuable contacts. Having Lauren working for us on a short term basis, with the support of Graduate Advantage, was also a very useful and highly valued resource for our business. If graduates need any advice they should contact Alison Middleton from our Graduate Recruitment Division on 01564 776669.”
Nicola Turner, Project Director at Graduate Advantage, said,
“The graduate job market is more competitive than ever, with one in three graduate posts in the UK’s biggest firms being filled this year by an intern. Most graduates now understand that work experience is a good way to differentiate themselves, and employers are quickly recognising this too. Work experience is becoming increasingly more important to employers than academic achievement. Our graduate interns spend a lot of time giving their skills to companies in exchange for the vital experience they need in their chosen sectors. It is always so satisfying to see graduate interns gain long-term opportunities and we wish Lauren every success in her future career.”
Speaking about her recent appointment Lauren Gripton added,
“The job market for graduates is tougher than ever as many employers are looking for some form of work experience. I found that my experience at Tirebuck enabled me to gain a basic understanding of Recruitment which aided me in getting a permanent role with Paramount Recruitment. With my academic background in Science and my ability to recognise relevant candidates for potential roles, I felt confident that I would be successful within the scientific recruitment industry. The knowledge gained at Tirebuck has been a good foundation for my training at Paramount and I look forward to my career in recruitment.”
The Graduate Advantage project, which has recently secured further funding to continue its work, is supported by a consortium of 12 universities, led by Aston University. Since 2008, over 2,200 graduates have been placed in both paid and voluntary internships. Nearly 80% of graduates recently surveyed have secured graduate level employment following their internship.
Tirebuck Recruitment serves clients and candidates in the Finance, HR, Legal, Commercial, Sales & Marketing, and Executive PA sectors, including Temporary and Interim Contracts. Tirebuck Recruitment and Allocate Recruitment are divisions of KT Recruitment Ltd, based in Knowle, Solihull.
Paramount Recruitment, established in 2003, is an independent recruitment consultancy based in Birmingham which has grown to be one of the UK’s leading recruiters to the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals and Scientific Industries.
