Shop Direct, the UK’s second largest pureplay etailer, is building a place full of purpose and passion for their talented teams and future recruits.
At In-house Recruitment LIVE! Manchester, Louise Utton, Early Talent Partner, will share how Shop Direct is attracting the best of digital tech talent through their early talent pipeline, including an innovative approach to recruiting apprentices.
Read the latest speaker interview with Louise below:
What are you most looking forward to sharing with your peers from your presentation? What are the key takeaway attendees can expect from your presentation?
I’ll help attendees learn more about how and why Shop Direct have moved away from using external apprenticeship suppliers to take an independent approach. My presentation will also enable you to find out how Shop Direct managed a major shift from lower level apprenticeships to degree level schemes. My talk will dive into how Shop Direct built an internal support system for apprentices, utilising and upskilling their own colleagues to support the apprentices.
In today’s candidate-driven market, how can employers differentiate themselves from competition?
Exciting work attracts colleagues to an organisation, but it’s about the culture and ways of working when they get there which will make them take the job, and stay motivated and engaged during their time with the business.
What do you expect to be the key message of this year’s In-house LIVE! Manchester?
I think a central theme will be the increase of digital roles in the North and how to best resource them, whether it’s through early talent, upskilling or recruitment.
Why do you think it’s important for Manchester’s in-house recruitment community to attend this event?
Businesses of all sizes must give themselves the best chance of building a strong talent pipeline. Events like this are an opportunity to share best practice and learnings, as well as network with businesses who are facing similar talent challenges and opportunities.
What has been your proudest moment so far in your current role? Can you share any client success stories?
My proudest moment has been seeing our independent support system thrive. I’ve loved seeing our colleagues step up to take on extra responsibility by supporting our apprentices – they find it so rewarding and fulfilling and some have said it’s their favourite part of their job! The concept is aligned with our values and it’s great to see the teams living these every day.
Louise spoke about ‘Digital tech talent: Shop Direct’s independent approach to their apprenticeship programme’ at In-house Recruitment LIVE! Manchester on 10 May 2018.
