The challenge
Oldham College has regularly used Reed to support its recruitment needs in the past. In 2021, the college was set to introduce its new T-Levels in construction, health and social care, digital, and education and childcare.
Andy Ball, Executive Recruitment Manager at Reed, said: “Most colleges use internal resources, but Oldham chose to find specific project managers to focus on this key requirement. Prospective candidates needed to fully understand their specialist area and be able to manage projects, work at speed, with autonomy, and be able to interact at all levels in the college and externally with exam providers.”
Jessica Criswell, the college’s Assistant Principal, stated that she reached out to Reed again because “these were particularly difficult roles to fill.” She said Oldham needed four specialists who could drive curriculum development, establish curriculum plans, industry placement opportunities and employer endorsements to ensure their qualification was gold standard.
I am happy with the approach and process and would be happy to work with Reed again. The role has been immensely interesting, and it’s been rewarding to see the fruition of the project plan take place.
Construction T-Level Coordinator
The solution
Jessica appreciated the prompt response to her request: “The process was carried out quickly despite being over the Christmas period, with interviews set up for the first week back in college.
“We have worked with other recruiters before, but we found that Reed were very forthcoming throughout the process and put forward good candidates.”
Andy adds: “There are no half measures at this level of recruitment. I always look for a benchmark candidate and obtain feedback from the client. I won’t put forward anyone who doesn’t match up to this standard.”
He used his extensive LinkedIn network and Reed’s vast database, focusing his search on candidates he’d worked with before and knew would be perfect for the roles.
He contacted Jo Beighton, Education Consultant at Inquisitive Minds Consultancy, on LinkedIn. Although she was not actively looking for work, she found this opportunity “interesting, as it’s a unique, one-off role working with new qualifications. The process of introductions through to appointment was detailed but swift.”
Another candidate Andy contacted, Steve Clough, now Oldham College’s Construction T-Level Coordinator, found it to be “an ideal opportunity to be at the forefront of T-Level developments and implementation.”
The results
Oldham College managed to successfully implement its plan for the introduction of T-Levels, with all four interim professionals settling in well.
Jessica stated: “We feel this collaboration has been successful and we would work with them again. Reed’s response was quick and proactive, sourcing some excellent specialist candidates, despite our challenging requirements.
“The four coordinators carried out an essential role and have supported the college in getting us T-Level ready – particularly, their work on the awarding organisation approvals has been very good and the feedback has been excellent.”
Steve rated the experience of working with Reed “10 out of 10”, sharing how much he enjoys his current role at Oldham: “Communication with the college is good and there are regular structured meetings, which makes one feel part of a team. The heads of faculty are very supportive.”
Jo said: “I am happy with the approach and process and would be happy to work with Reed again. The role has been immensely interesting, and it’s been rewarding to see the fruition of the project plan take place.”
The college and Reed have an established professional working relationship which will continue in the future.
