'Grow your own' and a more flexible approach are key to managing entry-level talent

LONDON, UK: Businesses are adapting to deal with the changing landscape of entry-level employees according to Tomorrow's Talent, a research report produced by the professional resourcing and project-based workforce solutions company Experis in association with employer brand and communications agency ThirtyThree.

A series of in-depth interviews with senior HR and talent acquisition professionals looked into their strategies in managing future talent of organisations at entry-level (including school leavers, interns, apprentices and graduates), to examine the challenges facing employers and identify common themes and implications.

Research participants confirmed the talent mismatch facing organisations, with employers experiencing frustration regarding the competence level of UK graduates in both hard and soft skills. Recognising the gap between the skills entry-level talent bring from education and the skills that are required for the workforce, the research revealed a rise in growing experts internally.

This involves talent undertaking a structured, bespoke training programme in-house, in some cases in conjunction with a university leading to a work-based degree. The ‘grow your own' approach allows employers to be more actively involved in the skills development of their employees from the earliest stage of their career, ensuring skills are tailored to the needs of the organisation and providing the company the opportunity to shape individuals for a stronger cultural fit.