special feature people and recruitment
> BLUESTONE LEASING RUNS A GRADUATE RECRUITMENT PROGRAMME WHICH TAKES IN GRADUATES IN THE SUMMER AND IN THE NEW YEAR
quality products and services. We have a diverse client base and a professional attitude and we find this, combined with competitive salaries, attracts a high calibre of applicant who can see a long- term future with us.” Firstly, Bluestone Leasing runs a graduate recruitment programme which takes in graduates in the summer, and in the New Year. They are offered a structured training programme which introduces them to the world of work and teaches them about business finance, in particular asset finance.
The company also runs a mentoring programme which is lead by Sales Director Steve Russell. Each graduate is assigned a senior sales person who acts as a mentor working closely with the graduate on projects, although the graduate will also have their own client base. Bluestone will also sponsor graduates through professional qualifications courses, if it is relevant to their work.
Russell says, “Graduates have a lot to offer the business such as a fresh approach and an eagerness to learn. Some graduates can be over confident, and may be unfamiliar with the discipline and attention to detail required in the world of work, but we usually find with the right training these issues are soon remedied.
“Our training programme is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge to succeed but at the same time allow them to hit the ground running, and really get their teeth into the role. The mentoring programme has been a huge success as it is really important for graduates to have someone they can turn to when they are unsure. It can also offer benefits both ways – I have known mentors to be impressed by the fresh insight graduates offer.”
Secondly, Bluestone actively recruits school leavers, offering a similar training programme to the graduate scheme. Russell explains, “Like graduates,
March 2011 ■
www.leasingworld.co.uk
school leavers often have a great enthusiasm coupled with a desire to be out in the world of work earning money as soon as possible. However, sometimes school leavers can lack confidence – they may not have always been the strongest at school academically but this does not mean that they do have the right qualities to succeed at work.
“Our training programme is tailored to boost their confidence and broaden their experience. We will also, when appropriate, sponsor them to do professional qualifications to help them get official recognition for their talents.”
Thirdly, Bluestone is also keen to recruit experienced leasing industry professionals with a proven skills set and a strong network of contacts. However, even experienced professionals may have blind spots in their skill sets, says Russell. “Sometimes we find people may have been blinkered by the parameters of previous roles. At Bluestone we are keen for people to have a true broker mentality, and be focused on new business generation, problem solving and outstanding service levels. We will make sure they have the support needed to fulfill these goals, and have a good track record of helping seasoned professionals become even more successful.”
Last but not least, Bluestone also recruits professionals from outside the leasing industry. Russell says “We have recruited a number of people from outside the leasing industry and often find they have developed transferable skills, such as sales techniques, which can be used to great effect in the leasing industry.
“It is also an advantage if they have worked in sectors which we specialise in – for example IT, AV or facilities management. We offer full training in leasing so find that within a few months they are up to speed, and can really benefit our business.” ■
Steve Russell
Phillip Bennett
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