Graduate employers know that graduate employees come with little to no experience. Often, a graduate will have a number of short, fixed-duration contracts, interships or graduate programmes on their CV to help set them apart. Another thing to look out for on a graduate CV is a work readiness programme.
A recent study showed over 90% of employers preferred employing graduate candidates who had completed a work readiness programme. The reason? “Because candidates were equipped with the skills required for workplace success.” We at RecruitAGraduate already know that graduates can help grow your business. They are fast learners who bring new skills and add immense value. So, it makes sense that graduates who have completed work readiness programmes add even more value as they are able to hit the ground running.
What is a work readiness programme?
Work readiness can be defined as a set of skills necessary for a graduate to do their job. From soft skills, like communication and teamwork, to independent living skills, like time and money management, work readiness programmes are a great way for graduates to equip themselves with the resources needed to perform in the workplace. A work readiness programme will enable graduate employees to gain vital personal and business skills required to enter the workplace and retain employment. It will also give learners the ability to think critically and make sound decisions.
There are three benefits to hiring graduates who have completed work readiness programmes:
Good communication skills
No matter what other skills you are looking for in a graduate, good communication skills should always be near the top of the list. Every job requires good communication skills in order to perform well, and a work readiness programme can help.
Coming straight out of learning environments like colleges and universities, graduates generally have excellent communication skills. However, work readiness programmes can take those communication skills and hone them into the ones that are most valuable in the workplace: such as active listening skills, body language skills and conflict resolution skills.
No digital delays
The workplace is rapidly digitising. Graduates who grew up ‘online’ are largely considered to be digitally literate and equipped with the skills current employees desire. While they’re au fait with faster, remote ways of working, there may still be certain gaps in their digital knowledge that a work readiness programme can plug. Things like telephone communication skills, advanced Excel skills and business writing skills are all things that may seem ‘old school’ but are still required and necessary in order to excel in the workplace today.
Less time on-boarding
A graduate who has completed a work readiness programme steps into the workplace with an extra boost of confidence. They are prepared and ready to get straight to work. A confident candidate is one who requires less handholding, which means less time getting the candidate up to speed during the onboarding process.
If you are considering hiring graduates, work readiness programmes equip them with the necessary resources they need in order to thrive in the workplace, both in the first few months and in the long term.
RecruitAGraduate is your go-to expert in graduate hiring. Contact us for more information or advice, or load a job.