With almost 0% unemployment across Oxfordshire, recruitment can be a challenge. Increasing numbers of employers are using work experience placements as a recruitment tool to signpost suitable candidates to their early careers and apprenticeship schemes and position themselves as an employer of choice.
Meaningful work experience has been shown to be effective in enhancing students’ employability skills, motivation in education, career-decision making and knowledge of the world of work.
Justin Bucknell Electrical is a professional, trusted, family run business based in Bicester. They are extremely proud of their investment in training apprentices and developing their staff's skills through ongoing training and personal development.
The company offers work experience placements through OxLEP Skills and recently employed an electrical apprentice as a result.
Office Manager Gemma Tarling says: “We had Billy from Heyford Park Free School join our team for work experience on 3rd July 2017 for one week. He really enjoyed his time working with us and got on well with the team. In January he made contact with us to apply for an apprenticeship to start in September 2018. In the first half of 2018 he applied to JTL Training and successfully passed the aptitude test. Billy started his apprenticeship in September with us and JTL.
We are really pleased with how enthusiastic Billy has been, he has had a great start to his apprenticeship. Work experience with us gives the student an idea of what to expect from a full time electrical apprenticeship. Justin Bucknell Electrical would gladly welcome another student next year for work experience.”
Could you help a young person discover their future by offering a work experience placement? It’s really easy to do and we’re there to support you every step of the way. Contact OxLEP Skills on [email protected].
