Erin Holland, Apprentice Recruitment Resourcing working at Advanced Resource Managers (ARM), recently featured in the Rail Media March-April issue. Find out more about her Apprenticeship here, and explore our Apprenticeship vacancies!
With the ongoing talent shortage and increasingly ineffective talent acquisition methods, how can we reinvigorate rail recruitment? The answer is apprentices. We caught up with Erin Holland, Apprentice in rail recruitment at Advanced Resource Managers (ARM).
Why did you choose an apprenticeship with ARM?
Having worked in recruitment previously, I found a distinct lack of support, so I decided it was time to change scenery. With the shift over to ARM and their apprenticeship structure, I’ve had the opportunity to properly learn, to understand the industry in-depth, and all while getting paid.
What attracted you to the recruitment industry, and why rail recruitment in particular?
My background in recruitment helped with the decision, but I chose to join ARM and especially the rail team, due to the sheer potential for growth in this company and sector. Operating in such a massive industry means there are endless jobs, candidates and clients to construct my own network and build my own professional development.
What has been the greatest challenge in recruitment for the rail sector?
We experienced the talent shortage first-hand within rail recruitment. When I initially started at ARM it was just myself and one other team member, and the learning curve was steep. But now we’ve added five new members to the team, and everything is so much more manageable – I feel on top of everything again. I think the most challenging element can be client expectations. Most of the time I feel able and equipped to fit their requirements, but you do get the odd client looking for some sort of unicorn, and when they don’t receive this, they close the role. It’s so frustrating.
What have you gained through this Apprenticeship?
In my interview at ARM, I was a nervous wreck, this is a massive office, full of new faces and I was previously not the biggest fan of change. But through this experience, I have well and truly moved out of my comfort zone, with the help of my colleagues, to the point where this feels like my second home. Where else could you develop confidence like that? I’ve also developed numerous skills, which via other routes may have been neglected, namely my adaptability, in recruitment no two days are ever the same.
Any advice for those considering an Apprenticeship?
I’m not going to sugar coat it, this Apprenticeship has not been easy, and I have had a few moments over the last nine months where I’ve genuinely considered giving up. But with the right support in place, there are a lot of fun elements to the job, and expanding my knowledge, pushing myself and gaining fresh perspective has been invaluable. Looking back now, as I reach the end of my Apprenticeship, I’m so proud of how much I have achieved and so happy with the team I’ve been lucky enough to join.
How do you feel you have been supported by Fareham College to achieve your Apprenticeship?
Once I settled in with my current coach Andi I have enjoyed my Apprenticeship much more, there is support available if I need to ask any questions!
What would you like to do next?
I am now moving on to my Level 3 Apprenticeship to continue my learning with ARM. They have a fantastic provision of tutors and mentors and can manage the level of coursework required during the Apprenticeship.
