Our guest blog is written by Jason Ford, a second year business studies student from the University of Liverpool, who recently completed the APSCo Intern Programme with Step at Service Care Solutions; a recruitment agency specialising in a wide range of social care jobs across the UK.
I had no idea what to expect the first time I walked through the doors of Service Care Solutions on June 5th 2014. With no previous experience of Recruitment or even working in an office environment, it was safe to say I was ever so slightly terrified.
As I walked through the doors of Marshall House, I noticed how much older everyone seemed to be, then I realised that it was only George, the 84 year old Concierge! As I made my way upstairs to the third floor, I tried to imagine how the people who worked their might treat me. I’d read online the night before how Google insist on their employees having fun during their work, they had even installed a water slide at one of their offices, (hence the trunks in my bag, Just in case). As I looked around the office, it quickly dawned on me that while there might not be a waterslide (I was still secretly hoping that this might be revealed to me at a later date…it wasn’t) there was an atmosphere that I had never been part of before, if I’m truly honest my first part of the day was a blur of handshakes, introductions and concentrating on not asking to use the toilet within my first ten minutes.
My manager at Service Care Solutions was to be Jay, he had recently become a Team Leader on the Housing Team and I was joining as a Resourcer, this effectively means finding suitable candidates for roles that I am given. I had to read a job description, produce adverts, email and text candidates and then call through lists to ensure the right candidates are contacted and if available, put forward for the role. I embarked on a training programme with my new team, I was taught how to speak to candidates and get the information quickly, how to respond effectively to time based assignments and how to recognise the skills needed for roles. From first thing on a Monday, I have a catch up with my team, they help me plan and prioritise my work for the week and what is expected from me results wise.
My time at Service Care Solutions has been a genuine eye opener for me; I have contributed to the company by being responsible for 15 deals in my 3 months, which would be seen as a great result even for a permanent employee. I feel my communication skills and confidence has grown, in turn helping me realise that I do have a lot to offer any future employer. I don’t want to fall into the trap of believing all organisations are like Service Care Solutions, they have supported me from day one, allowing me to learn, ask for feedback and even offering a chance to return during my holidays from university, something I will certainly take up. I have met some brilliant people over the last few months, I’ve heard some truly bizarre tales and I’ve been personally responsible for the start of “The Jason Quote book” (nothing profound, just mainly a story I told about a Zebra that kicked me in the head, along with a few other moments that may block my membership to MENSA….)
I can now return to University, ready to study and learn more about Business and how it works. My placement through Step has been a huge success for me, I never thought for a second that I would learn the amount I have, I would recommend anyone to do a placement through Step, it really can make a huge difference.