We caught up with Jon Hull, head of resourcing at Carillion, the UK’s largest apprenticeship provider in the construction sector, to find out his top tips for recruiting young people.

About Carillion

The construction and support services group has 13 apprentice training centres across the country, employing apprentices and placing them with trusted suppliers and within their own businesses.

Jon has recently been involved in beta testing the government’s new Digital Apprenticeship Service website.

Top tips on recruiting young talent

“Consider the way you assess young people with no experience. A formal interview setting can be scary.”

“A young recruit is only as good as the support they receive. We train our managers to be mentors.”

“Remember, recruiting young people is a long term investment into your business.”

“Don’t forget the parents – they’re an important decision maker. We talk to parents and provide guidance for them and their children too.”

“Target your local schools and work with them and outreach agencies to promote the opportunities you have to offer young people.”

“Apprenticeships tend to be stickier than graduates. You can get an early injection of talent and fit them into your established team culture.”

“University can be an expensive option so the new degree level apprenticeships are a great way for young people to gain a high level qualification and a great way for a business to gain experienced and educated employees.”

“When recruiting young people don’t oversell the opportunity – be honest and realistic.”

“The apprenticeship levy is a good thing in the medium term – it will sharpen the focus on recruitment and training.”

“The apprenticeship levy will come into place in May 2017 – use it, it could work for your business. Do seek support from local colleges and agencies to help you get the best out of it.”

Thank you to Jon Hull at Carillion for supporting our work to help encourage the recruitment of the next generation of talent.