EMPLOYERS PERSPECTIVE

GEOFF PICKARD

Company Statistics

• International company with global representation.

• UK fleet size – 60,000 cars 6,000 vans . • The Uk’s Biggest rental company. • 200 locations in the Uk . • Employing 4,000 staff .

• EMPLOYABILITY , Finding employees who will be able to the job with a minimum of additional training.

• EMPLOYABILITY , Finding employees who posses the essential interpersonal skills.

• EMPLOYABILITY , Finding employees who will stay with the company.

HOW IS THIS ACHIEVED

• Provide input for educational program's

• Influence syllabus • Provide work

placements to support learning

What are the rewards ?

• Gives the industry visibility. • Qualifications that act as filters. • Cost effective.

What are the challenges ?

• Finding and networking with all stakeholders. ( colleges, students, and employers )

• Working with stakeholders.• Finding the resources to support

work placements.

What are the frustrations ?

• Working with colleges to achieve common goals.

• Providing realistic and relevant placements.

• Handling student expectations. • Achieving the balance between the

academic and vocational skills input.

• How we influence the course structure.

• How we influence the course modules.

• How we influence the placement experience.

•How we look to recruit.

Influences when working together !

Training in the work place

• Balanced academic / vocational experience.

• Occupational standards and requirements.

• Mentor student.

So how to get involved ?

• Contact Colleges of Further and Higher Education.

• Identify a key facilitator ( In Education or Sector Skills Council )

• Talk to other companies within same industry sector.

Training to Gain

• The investment that you make now, the challenges , the frustrations and the rewards ,will the be foundation of the organizations future success. It will enhance its ability to compete in the ever increasing competitive market place.

Successes - case studies 1

• Miss E Harwood . “ I studied at New college Durham between 1997-1999 . My placement in the Middlesbrough Branch of National was rewarding ,challenging and relevant to my Studies and the intended career plans . This experience ultimately lead to be appointed on a full time basis . I am currently team leader at the company's Newcastle location”.

Successes - case studies 2

• Miss Gayle Walker .“I studied at New College Durham between 1995-1997, Work placement and a program both educational and vocational input has lead me to progress through branch management, to now work in our head office in Leicester as Center manager. I am responsible for 50 staff and will regularly need to rely upon my skills which were developed through the relationship between New College Durham and National Europcar.

Successes - case studies 3

• National Europcar engage with New College Durham at all levels , from curriculum development ,re- validation, review, placements , guest lecturing and student recruitment.

SUMMARY• Employability • How is it achieved • What are the rewards • What are the challenges/frustrations• Influences in the workplace• Training in the work place • How to get involved • You train you will gain • Case studies

Questions ?