Communication is key in recruitment of young people, Shropshire businesses say
Communication is the key moving forward when recruiting young employees, Shropshire business owners have said.
The results of a Shropshire Chamber of Commerce quarterly survey this week revealed some manufacturing companies in Shropshire are refusing to hire young people because of growing concerns over reliability.
Businesses said they were having so much trouble with interview ‘no-shows’, or young staff failing to complete their first week in a job, that they are adopting policies of no longer seeking to recruit anyone under the age of 21.
But Bekki Phillips, chief operating officer at In-Comm Training, one of the UK’s leading independent training providers, said her experience had been more positive. And she said it was important that the way businesses engage with learners evolves.
Operating from two technical academies in Aldridge and Telford, In-Comm trains more than 500 apprentices every year, helping young people and mature learners to secure careers in engineering, manufacturing, logistics and professional services.
Bekki said: “The youngsters that come to us at In-Comm Training are largely unaware of the opportunities available, suggesting there is still a distinct lack of career education in schools.
"What I will say is that the majority are keen to see what the world of engineering and manufacturing can offer and are willing to put in the time and effort to make things happen.
"Last year we held more than 1,000 interviews with young people and had a 96 per cent attendance rate. Initial interviews are being conducted via WhatsApp/Facetime, so that they can get an understanding of the job offer and for our team to work with them to ensure they have all the facts in front of them before making a decision.
