The offer of training and development is one of the biggest inducements to
graduate recruits, according to recent research by workplace development
experts Investors in People UK.
According to the survey, training is more important than salary. Interviews
with graduates, who were actively involved in career planning, revealed that 93
per cent believe it is important to join an organisation which demonstrates a
commitment to its people through a dedicated focus on training and development,
while two-thirds rank training and development as one of the two most important
factors they will consider when choosing an employer.
In contrast, more than 60 per cent do not rank salary as significant and
only 11 per cent are concerned about job title.
And once in position, the graduates believe that training and development
remains key to productivity, with only 6 per cent linking enhanced productivity
with a big bonus; while more than half believe training and development will
increase their productivity levels and 35 per cent are looking for support from
their team and senior management.
The research suggests that organisations must look at the people-development
initiatives they have in place, not simply their bank balances, according to
IIP chief executive Ruth Spellman.
"We were interested to gather the views of the next generation of
employees and were genuinely surprised by the value they place on their
development over and above the promise of large salaries," she said.
"We hope this proves to be a real eye-opener for organisations that are
looking to recruit and retain the most talented graduates this year."
Employer experience seems to rein-force this. Anna Kelsey, HR manager at
Selfridges in Manchester, believes graduates are now more career- minded than
in the past two decades.
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"New recruits are keen to develop their skill-offering to progress
quickly. They will always take advantage of training and development and are
keen to get involved in initiatives to improve their skills and enable them to
contribute to the wider business objectives. The next generation of grad-uates
has big aspirations and seems determined to work for organisations that will
ensure these are fulfilled," she said.
By Stephanie Sparrow
