Copyright SIG plc 2008 Employability for the Future Employer, Student & Academic Perspectives An Employer’s View - SIG plc John Hornby Ann Lyon.

Copyright SIG plc 2008

Employability for the Future

Employer, Student & Academic Perspectives

An Employer’s View - SIG plcJohn Hornby

Ann Lyon


Outline of presentation

What is SIG? How do graduates apply? What do we expect from Graduates? What is needed to develop in the

organisation? Summary Questions


John Hornby

Training and Development Manager Specialise in Management and Graduate

Development across the SIG Group

Ann Lyon

HR Manager Previous experience in Graduate Recruitment and

Management Development


What is SIG plc?

SIG plc is the leading international specialist supplier to the construction, building and industrial markets.

The Group has four core business sectors:

– Insulation– Roofing– Commercial Interiors and – Specialist Construction & Safety Products


Quick referenceKey facts

Active in 10 countries 12,000 + Employees Trades from over 700 locations in Europe Turnover in 2007 £2.45b Underlying profit before tax £139m Over 50 acquisitions during the last 3 years




Graduate Job Applications

Completion of application form/CV Contact with the company

Research & Prepare Get some work experience Reflect on employability skills



What do companies want of Graduates?

Company competency profiles –

most businesses looking for a combination of:

good technical skills strong interpersonal

skills ability to learn

Personal Perspective – do you fit in with:

culture of the company personality of the

people?


Our Perceptions of businesses

Sir Alan Sugar - aggressive and uncompromising– what about his advisors – Margaret Mountford and Nick Hewer

Oxfam– Charity shops– Aid to Africa? – ethics – spent $5m

Tesco - ethics– 4th biggest retailer in the world– Check out operative

Mitsubishi – size and diversity– 2nd world war fighter– Cars – Build ships – sell insurance


Could you fit in with and work for

–Links to environment–More delivery vehicles than

Morrisons–Diversity –

•People•Windows to Air Conditioning•Insulation to roofing tiles•Flooring to ceiling tiles


What do we expect from Graduates?

Competencies and experience Formal education Degree result – 2:2 and

above Specialist area for some

roles Languages Combined honours? Maths and English ability Diversity of business

knowledge Work experience

Personal attributes A personality Ability to integrate Deal with people of all

levels/backgrounds Initiative Self discipline Drive Ability to identify problems Influence and challenge other

people Manage themselves Want to learn


What does the future hold?

People’s lives becoming more organised

An ABC of reorganisation would start with automation

A blurring of boundaries within organisations

Collaborative networks more commonplace

Dis-aggregation & re-aggregation of organisations proceeded apace

Elimination of management layers may be approaching limit

Flexibility increasingly highly prized by organisations

(‘Going Global, key questions for the 21st century’, Moynagh & Worsley)

Responsiveness to change Flexible & adaptable Open to learning Highly effective communication &

networking Able to work within different cultures Use of technology Language skills (language plus a

vocational skill will be at a premium in the future)

Continually learning and adapting Confidence and humility Self awareness

– Understand own strengths and weaknesses– Work with and around those– Honesty

Perseverance Able to influence others – at all levels

– Manage up and down– Empathise with others– Be in command when needed


Questions?


Final thought on Employability

Company competency profiles – most people looking for a combination of good

technical skills with strong interpersonal skills & ability to learn

Personal Perspective – do you fit in with the culture of the company and

the personality of the people?

Copyright SIG plc 2008 Employability for the Future Employer, Student & Academic Perspectives An Employer’s View - SIG plc John Hornby Ann Lyon.

Documents

copyright sig plc

insurance slide

management development

graduate development

personality ability

development manager

employability skills

company personality