Back to BlogApprenticeships at FPS #SAW19

First People solutions have been proudly supporting young people since 2012.  Within the past seven years, there has been 20 apprentices and three quarters of them are still with FPS in a full time role.  We offer apprenticeships in various roles from recruitment sales staff to administration and even marketing; so there really is something for everyone at FPS.

Our Apprenticeship Programme

Within our Apprenticeship Programme, generic training is offered as well as specialist training relating to their specific apprenticeship.  During the first few months, the apprentices are involved in a variety of activities to allow them to get to know the other apprentices working within FPS.  This helps with building relationships and improving confidence levels.

As well as training for their job, apprentices are offered employability training which includes CV preparation, writing supporting statements, assessment centre techniques and mock interviews.  These techniques will help apprentices should they move on from FPS, whether that be far in the future or after they complete their apprenticeship.

We continually work in partnership with Microcom and Skills Development Scotland to ensure that we keep providing top of the range training and are able to continue developing highly skilled apprentices.

Moving onto Full Time Employment

We have worked hard at improving our recruitment process to ensure we continue to provide job opportunities to new apprentices.  We have increased contact time with our current apprentices and reviews within the first few weeks to provide the correct support to our new starts, ensuring they’re able to continue the programme and complete their apprenticeship.For support during their learning, each apprentice is appointed a senior member of staff to guide them and be their ‘mentor’.  This person is skilled at their job and can offer advice, training and support for our young people.  Apprentices are also equipped with an assessor by Mircrocom, who will guide and assist the apprentice through their qualification – this ensures they’re never short of support or advice at any point.

All apprentices have access to the internal vacancy list in FPS and many positions are ‘ring-fenced’ only for apprentices to apply to.  100% of all of our young people with permanent or temporary contracts have progressed from our Apprenticeship Programme, using the skills and experience gained to secure their positions.  Each will have completed a further 6 months training to emsure they had all the necessary skills to progress into their full time role.

Here is an example of a career path in recruitment at FPS:

 

A Success Story: Our First Apprentice

Jordan Mackay started with FPS at the age of 17 and begun his apprenticeship within the construction team, dealing mainly with temporary recruitment.  He has since gained a wealth of knowledge and skills through ‘on the job training’ and has now moved into permanent recruitment, specialising in Mechanical and Electrical roles.  Now 24, Jordan is a valuable member of the team and takes pride in training new members of staff – particularly those on the Apprenticeship Scheme.

If you like the look of our Apprenticeship Scheme and are keen to step onto the recruitment career ladder, check out our recent vacancy here, or get in touch on 0141 270 5000 / info@firstpeoplesolutions.com