The CTP is delighted that the skills and qualities that Service leavers possess are recognised and sought by so many of the UK’s leading organisations, such as National Grid, Royal Mail, Ericsson, Siemens and BAE Systems, to name only a few.
A recent recruitment campaign through the CTP for Openreach resulted in 240 interviews with Service leavers,
in 6 different locations; and a total of 215 of those applicants being offered a job.
Openreach’s Chief Executive, Olivia Garfield talks here about the initial requirement set out and how the CTP offered a solution to fit their needs.
THE OUTSET
What are the biggest challenges your organisation faces in terms of recruitment?
“The ability to operate a highly focussed end to end recruitment solution which minimises the timescales from the point of identifying a need for resources, to having people trained up and undertaking work for us out on the ground.”
Why did you choose to launch the fast track recruitment programme through the CTP?
“We approached the CTP and were impressed by the quality of the sample CV’s that were sent through to us and the way the staff dealt with us was hugely professional, and they were extremely responsive to every challenge we gave them.”
THE SOLUTION
How did the CTP work with you to identify and understand your recruitment needs?
“Our HR team met with the CTP to go through the requirements of the role and the skills and attributes needed for a highly skilled and flexible (peripatetic) work force. We also gained an understanding of each others cultures and the CTP used their knowledge of Armed Forces backgrounds to accurately match the telecommunication/IT key skills needed for this workforce.”
How did the CTP tailor their employment service to meet the needs of your organisation?
“Our HR staff dealt with two dedicated employment consultants right the way through this campaign which enabled us to build up an excellent working relationship. This has resulted in the CTP becoming totally immersed in our needs and requirements, and as such, fully understanding all of our recruitment needs.”
THE OUTCOME
Why does your organisation value Service leavers’ skills?
“Their military training means they are flexible and prepared to travel at short notice whilst having a disciplined approach to work and a very positive attitude. For us, as an employer, it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to recruit so many ex-forces personnel. These people have served their country well and deserve the chance of full-time employment with a generous reward package.”
The fast-track recruitment programme through the CTP has proved to be hugely successful with a success rate at interview of 90% now working for Openreach. Why do you believe it has worked so well?
“A key driver for the CTP is to source suitable employment opportunities for the Service leaver. The fact that the CTP offer a no cost recruitment solution means they were driven by the needs of their clients (the Service leavers) and also those of Openreach. They have such an in-depth knowledge of their client base and understanding of the skills and attributes they possess, that they could ensure they matched the right candidates who suited our needs. This meant that the quality of candidates for our roles has been excellent.”
How will you work with the CTP in the future to help you meet any further workforce challenges?
“This campaign has proven that we can significantly minimise recruitment timescales and save costs through our close working relationship with the CTP. We are already running a separate campaign through the CTP to recruit a number of General Managers. I have every confidence that as and when we have workforce needs in the future, the CTP will work with us to meet those needs and offer a solution from the talent pool leaving the Armed Forces.”