Q&A on apprenticeships at Impero Software
Nottingham technology company, Impero Software have been providing schools with security and safeguarding solutions for 14 years. To show their commitment to education and the development of young people, Impero advocate apprentices and the recruitment of young talent.
HR Manager viewpoint…
We caught up with their HR Manager, Nick Broadhurst, to find out about their experience of recruiting young people…
Why do you employ apprentices and what benefits do you see?
It’s our moral obligation and important to develop the next generation. Our experience with recruiting apprentices has been so good that now it’s a way of getting a great talent pool and growing them.
Yes you have to give them more support at the beginning but young people don’t have any preconceptions of the workplace so you can fit them into the team easily.
There can be a perception that young people are lazy in the workplace or difficult to introduce them into your business because you have to hand hold them.
What’s your opinion and experience of this?
We have a robust on boarding and induction process that all employees go through. Young people are positive and don’t come with previous work baggage and they are eager to learn so this often outweighs the extra time you have to spend supporting them. I don’t think young people are lazy, in fact, I think it’s the opposite. They’re eager and quickly get up to speed in the workplace.
When will apprentices start to contribute to the business?
There is a short difference in development time between experienced employees and apprentices but within a few weeks they’re on the phone to customers and within a month they are at the same level as existing employees.
How do you attract young people to cover out of hours service?
Young people are adaptable and flexible and are happy to work unusual hours and in my experience it can sometimes fit into their lifestyle choices too to work flexible unusual hours.
Describe the culture at Impero…
Fun, very relaxed and approachable. We want everyone to know what’s going on in the business, we encourage collaboration so individuals can flourish.
Is it difficult to have a fun culture and encourage employees to work hard or does one induce the other?
If you create an environment where people feel supported and the management is strong then you’ll have happy and motivated employees.
What would you say to an employer who was skeptical about employing apprentices?
Go for it but make sure you scope out the roles correctly and recruit correctly and you’ll attract young people with fantastic attitudes.
The apprentice viewpoint…
19-year-old Adrian joined Impero a few months ago and we caught up with him to find out about his experience…
Tell us about how you applied and got the job...
I left college and wanted to get an apprenticeship so I looked on the government website. I recognised Impero in the list of companies because my school used their software. I thought they seemed like a good company to work for.
I did two interviews but it wasn’t full on and I didn’t feel like I was just being asked loads of questions. It was more conversational and I actually felt really comfortable.
How has your first few months been since joining?
Everyone is friendly and really supportive. I’ve always got someone to turn to if I need help. It’s a calm office and fun too. When I first joined I was shadowing people and I thought at the time that their jobs seemed so complicated and it would be hard for me to learn. But I’ve picked it up really quickly and I enjoy it.
Would you recommend Impero and apprentices?
Definitely. I’m still learning and I’ll get certificates at the end of it all. It’s not stressful and is a relaxing place to work. I get one to one support each week too which helps.
Related links
