Tag: Recruitment

Hiring a veteran is good for business!

New figures reveal 20% increase in the number of employers looking to hire veterans

New figures released by the Forces Employment Charity to coincide with Armed Forces Day (Saturday, 29 June) reveal that the number of employers actively looking to hire veterans has jumped by over 20% in the last five years, increasing from 2981 in 2018 to 3603 in 2023.[1]

The charity has also unveiled new research which shows that employers who have hired veterans report that they contributed significantly to the workforce.

Results show:

  • 1 in 4 (24%) employers praised veterans for bringing strong leadership skills to the workforce[2]
  • 1 in 5 (22%) employers say having a veteran in the organisation is great for building team spirit2
  • 1 in 5 (22%) employers praise veterans for bringing unique skills to the workforce2
  • 1 in 5 (20%) employers say hiring a veteran is good for business2

The Forces Employment Charity, which supports all members of the military community in achieving civilian employment success, has also seen a massive rise in the number of job roles it has secured for its clients. Last year, the charity secured 13,246 placements,[3] compared to 11,994 the previous year,[4] reflecting more than a 10% year-on-year increase.

Despite a significant increase in employers recognising the value of hiring veterans, less than half of UK employers (41%) say they know where and how to access talent from the military community.2 

Furthermore, only 1 in 3 (35%) veterans say they feel proud of the skills they acquired during their time in the military, and whilst around 15,000 men and women leave the Armed Forces every year,[5] less than 1 in 10 (8%) working-age veterans state that they know where to go for civilian employment support.[6]

The Forces Employment Charity exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving. The charity also delivers Op NOVA on behalf of the NHS, supporting veterans in contact with the justice system.

Edinburgh-based Leanne Bonner, Ex-Forces Programme Manager at the Forces Employment Charity, says: “As someone who works with the military community on a daily basis, helping them to take their next step on the career ladder, I am delighted to see so many more employers actively looking to hire veterans.

“Anyone who has served has a wealth of skills to offer, such as resilience, accountability, leadership and team skills, and an ability to be trained. With the help of moments such as Armed Forces Day, I look forward to seeing more employers taking steps to recruit veterans into their teams.”

Danielle Sandy, Military Talent Acquisition at Barclays, sought the support of the Forces Employment Charity’s Military Women programme to help her secure her new role, which drives veteran recruitment.

She says: “My advisor was fantastic throughout my application process for the Barclays position. She helped me not only with my CV but also put me through a number of mock interviews, which set me up perfectly on the big day.

“She is extremely knowledgeable and always on hand to provide support – no matter what time of the day. I will be forever grateful for her assistance during a daunting experience. Going from a very comfortable position into a huge corporate brand during a pandemic was a risk and a challenge.

“Still, with her support, I could make a very smooth transition. She was engaged throughout the whole process, from the first viewing of the job advert and initial application to even following up with me in weeks one and three of my new role.

“The whole experience was superb, and she gave me the confidence to take the next big step in my career. Although I have offered Service Leavers and Veterans advice for years, I often found it difficult to apply that same advice to myself and lacked confidence!

“Thankfully, my advisor was able to offer me advice and build my confidence.”

Speaking about her role as Military Talent Acquisition at Barclays, she adds: “As a Royal Navy veteran, I know first-hand both the incredible skills that veterans can bring to the civilian workforce, but also the common challenges that can sometimes act as a barrier to accessing meaningful employment once you have finished your Forces career.

“I am so proud to work for an organisation that takes active steps to embrace military talent and nurture their skills and abilities.”

Shaun Harrison from Glasgow sought the support of the Forces Employment Charity, having served in the British Army. With the help of his dedicated Advisor, who provided job signposting, CV advice and helped with interview technique, Shaun secured a role as a Nursing Assistant with the NHS.

He comments: “With the help of my Advisor, I was able to secure employment without getting overly stressed. Knowing someone had my back whilst I was navigating this job minefield was good. It let me focus on other things in my life that I love.”

Staff from the Forces Employment Charity will attend a host of events all over the country in support of Armed Forces Day. They will be on hand to provide more information about how the charity can help members of the military community take their next step on the career ladder, whether that be helping with their CVs, searching for suitable jobs, or using interview techniques to help secure funding for training opportunities.

For more information, visit www.forcesemployment.org.uk

Europe’s largest wave pool coming to Edinburgh begins recruitment for ‘dream’ roles

Scotland’s first inland surf resort which will open in Edinburgh in September has begun building their team ahead of its launch.

Lost Shore Surf Resort is hiring for a number of unique roles in surfing operations, including surfing instructors and lifeguards who can earn up to £12.74 per hour working at the state-of-the-art wave pool.

The resort will be the home of Europe’s largest wave pool with luxury lodges and premium pods, wellness treatment studio, waterside restaurants and shopping, all making it one of the most hotly anticipated tourism openings anywhere in the world this year.

It is looking to fill over 100 roles, including therapists, food and beverage team members, with other roles in maintenance and landscaping, marketing, security and visitor experience.

Lost Shore Surf Resort will be a Living Wage Employer and although the resort does not open until September, many roles will start well before then for staff training and familiarisation.

Based just ten minutes from Edinburgh Airport, less than half an hour by car to the centre of Edinburgh, and around 45 minutes to Glasgow, Lost Shore is well connected and within easy commute of many.

In total, around 100 roles are currently on offer with a range of work schedules and hours available. People interested in working at Lost Shore Surf Resort can visit https://www.lostshore.com/careers for more information.

Andy Roger, new Chief Executive of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “Lost Shore Surf Resort is going to make a huge splash when we open in September.

“Being a Living Wage Employer we are committed to building a fantastic team to help us deliver our vision for Lost Shore Surf Resort. The opening of any new business is an exciting moment.

“The build up to the first day is part of that journey with the new team learning about the resort and becoming well placed to deliver for our visitors from the day we open.

“We have a number of dream roles for those who love surfing, but you don’t have to surf to work for us. We have lots of different roles available and we are looking for passionate and motivated individuals who will be excited to be part of one of the most unique openings anywhere in the world this year and thrive in a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think that is you then please get in touch.”

Full list of roles available:

F&B Team Leader
F&B Team Member
Kitchen Porter
F&B Team Member (events)
Duty Manager
Head Coach
Head Lifeguard
Surf Instructor
Lifeguard
Surf Desk Team Member
Visitor Experience Team Leader
Visitor Experience Team Member (front & back of house)
Night Security Team Member
Retail Team Leader
Retail Team Member
Maintenance Technician
Landscaping Team Member
Housekeeping Team Leader
Housekeeping Team Member
Senior Therapist
Therapist
Marketing Executive

Community Navigator wanted

Do you have experience in community engagement and development? We have an exciting new paid role for a Community Navigator, to support more people in North Edinburgh to access and benefit from Lauriston Farm.

The Community Navigator will work to foster relationships, increase engagement, make the farm more accessible and inclusive and reach people within our neighbouring communities of Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw and Granton.

You would collaborate with local organisations such as Pilton Community Health Partnership (with a desk based at PCHP), North Edinburgh Arts, Granton Youth, Low Income Families Together, Muirhouse Medical Practice and Community Renewal to offer activities and support individuals and groups with their engagement at the farm.

We would particularly like to encourage people from the Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw and Granton areas and from under-represented and marginalised groups to consider applying for this role.

Click here to see all details and the application process:

https://drive.google.com/…/1bxCcCAvDVphjq8ES2RTOfi…/view

Johnnie Walker Princes Street seeks new talent to join award-winning team

Top visitor attraction is calling for passionate storytellers to become Experience Ambassadors

Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the award-winning global visitor experience in the heart of Edinburgh, has announced exciting opportunities for passionate individuals to join its renowned team.

With both part-time and full-time Experience Ambassador positions available, aspiring actors and storytellers are invited to become a part of an exceptional team dedicated to delivering unparalleled experiences to visitors from around the globe.

Ambassadors will guide guests through the venue across the many different experiences available, taking them on a journey through the story of Johnnie Walker, the single malt and single grain whiskies from which it is crafted, and through the multitude of ways whisky can be enjoyed.

Dedicated to challenging stereotypes and busting myths around Scotch, no background in whisky is required for the roles available at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Instead, applicants should be natural presenters and storytellers and have a passion for hospitality.

Successful candidates will have the chance to work in the multi-award-winning destination starting from June 3, with the opportunity to be a part of a key venue during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, work with experts in the experience and whisky field and receive extensive training and development from industry leading professionals.

Additionally, Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers staff a strong reward and benefits package with many pathways to great career opportunities across Johnnie Walker and parent company Diageo. Recognising the need for flexibility, employees can also expect a range of shift and working patterns to cater for people at all ages and stages of life.

Rob Maxwell, Head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “We are proud of the exceptional team we have built at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, and we are excited to offer opportunities for new talent to be part of our award-winning visitor experience.

“If you are energetic, enthusiastic and, passionate about a career in hospitality and tourism then we want to hear from you.”

To apply for the role of Experience Ambassador at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, please visit our website here.

Community Shed job opportunity with North Edinburgh Arts

Are you ready to dive into a rewarding role?

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re extending the application deadline for the Community Shed Manager position!

This part-time opportunity (21 hours/week) is your chance to play a pivotal role in nurturing the NEA Community Shed’s development and growth.

As the Community Shed Manager, you’ll be at the heart of our vibrant community, fostering positive connections, and ensuring sustainability.

With our venue expansion on the horizon, this is a great time to get involved and be a part of our team. Bring your passion for making and mending, your creative problem-solving skills, and your excellent interpersonal skills.

To find out more about the role, please visit our website at

northedinburgharts.co.uk/aboutus/work-with-us/

and apply by Friday 26 April.

As we’ve extended the closing date for this post, previous applicants need not apply. For more information, please email garden@northedinburgharts.co.uk

Aldi hiring 251 colleagues across Edinburgh & Lothians

Aldi is looking to hire 251 colleagues in Edinburgh & Lothians this year as the company looks to open new stores and update others.

Britain’s fourth largest supermarket is on the lookout for people of all levels of experience to fill roles across the region, with salaries of up to £43,440.

The roles include full and part-time positions such as Store Assistant and Deputy Store Manager, all the way up to Assistant Store Manager.

The recruitment push is part of a nationwide expansion drive, with Aldi pledging to create a total of more than 5,500 new jobs up and down the country in 2024.

Store and Warehouse Assistants at Aldi receive a starting salary of £12.00 rising to £12.95 nationally, while those working within the M25 receive £13.55 rising to £13.85.

Aldi is also the only supermarket to offer paid breaks, which for the average store colleague is worth more than an additional £900 a year.

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK, said: “Our colleagues work incredibly hard, and they are without a doubt a huge part of our success at Aldi. We continue to welcome more and more customers to Aldi stores every week, not just because of our unbeatable prices and local sourcing, but also our amazing colleagues.

“We are looking forward to welcoming even more colleagues up and down the country to Team Aldi during 2024 and this is another step in accelerating progress towards our goal of making affordable, quality food accessible to everyone.”

Aldi recently committed to opening 500 more stores across Britain and is investing more than £1.4 billion throughout 2023 and 2024 as it progresses towards hitting this long-term target. This investment includes work to expand its distribution and store network as well as further improving existing stores and technology infrastructure to support growth.

Those interested in applying for a career with Aldi can visit:

 www.aldirecruitment.co.uk

New wave of teachers needed to create ‘Generation Swim’

National campaign launched to combat swim teacher shortage

TEACHERS who are playing a vital role in creating ‘Generation Swim’ – a generation of safe and competent swimmers – are being celebrated across the country as part of a Scotland-wide recruitment drive.

The team behind the Learn to Swim National Framework has launched the recruitment campaign in Edinburgh, with at least 10% more teachers required to meet the swimming lesson demand in Scotland.

The Learn to Swim National Framework – a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water which is delivered by 38 aquatic providers across Scotland in more than 160 pools – is shining a light on the inspiring teachers involved in teaching the next generation of youngsters to swim. There are over 76,000 children across the country currently taking part in weekly Learn to Swim lessons.

In 2022-23, over 740 candidates took part in 72 swim teacher training courses across Scotland and now the organisers are urging those looking to learn a new skill and become a swim teacher to attend courses in their local area.

Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “Being a swimming teacher is an incredibly rewarding career, teaching an essential life skill to others and it’s important to be celebrate the individuals who make it all possible.

“Sadly, there is a real shortage at the moment in a role that is absolutely crucial in ensuring that young people in Scotland can be safe in the water.

“It takes three months to train a swimming teacher and equip them with the skills they need. There is huge opportunity in the sector for those looking for a rewarding job, whether it is a student looking for part time work or someone more senior looking for a career change, there is something out there for everyone.”

Organisers have launched the nationwide drive to recruit a new network of poolside teachers, promising huge job satisfaction as they help children of all ages and abilities to become more confident, safer and competent swimmers.

The National Learn to Swim Framework has already provided lessons to more than 100,000 youngsters, and aims to reach another 100,000 by 2025.

Duncan Scott, Learn to Swim, Forfar, Angusalive

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs with Scottish Water said: “it’s great to see there is huge demand for Learn to Swim lessons across the country and the enthusiastic, dedicated teachers delivering these lessons play such an important role in encouraging and supporting children of all ages and abilities to learn and enjoy swimming in a safe way.

“Becoming a swim teacher is an amazing opportunity for people to make a difference and be part of creating a meaningful legacy for Scotland to help children be safe in and around water.”

The Learn to Swim Framework helps to create quality Learn to Swim environments for children from birth upwards where they learn the vital skills to become safe and competent swimmers, and also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer as they progress through the aquatic pathway.

Individuals will be put through the Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ) which is the industry standard for those who wish to teach unsupervised to groups of swimmers with a range of abilities and is essential for seeking employment as a swimming teacher.

Scottish Swimming support National Framework partners to develop their teachers with regular continued professional development and access to resources to help with their lesson delivery.

Learn to Swim aims to build a real legacy for Scotland – creating “Generation Swim” by improving water safety, and giving all children a real platform for success to achieve their full potential both in the pool and out.

For more information on the teaching courses, visit https://scottishswimming.com/events/events-calendar/qualifications

For more information on the Learn to Swim programme, visit https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim

Scottish Gas recruiting 350 jobs in it’s Edinburgh Call Centre 

  • New staff will be in post by the end of the year to help customers this winter
  • Scottish Gas has a £100 million support package available – the largest of any UK supplier – and staff will be given additional training on helping customers who are struggling with energy costs.  

Scottish Gas has announced it is growing its team of call centre operators in Edinburgh as it continues to provide even more help for customers this winter. 

The energy provider is recruiting 350 new roles at its Edinburgh energy contact centre which will see total staff numbers rise to more than 480. Additional training on assisting customers in the UK with financial difficulty will also be rolled out across the team as the winter heating season begins. 

The move is part of nationwide commitment to increase its existing customer service teams and hire more than 700 new call centre staff. These roles will all be in post by the end of the year with continued hiring taking place in January as part of the company’s aim to move all its call centre resource to the UK. 

Last winter, Scottish Gas experienced an increase in call volume due to the energy crisis and invested £25 million in its customer services operations to meet this demand. Whilst energy prices have come down, the company still expects customers to need support so is continuing to boost its UK teams. The increased staff numbers will also mean longer opening times for Scottish Gas customers of 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 2pm on Saturday. 

Scottish Gas has a £100 million support package in place to help customers who are struggling with energy costs – the largest voluntary support package offered by a UK supplier. Its customer services teams will receive additional training in how to help customers in financial difficultly including directing them to available support.   

Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, parent company of Scottish Gas, said: “Although energy prices have come down slightly, many of our customers are still struggling overall with the cost of living and need to speak to us for longer about their energy bills.  

“Strengthening our call centre operations in Edinburgh will allow us to help more households across Scotland and the rest of the UK with expert advice and support during this time.

“I’m extremely proud of how our expert teams support our customers every day – in the past year they’ve helped over 1 million customers who’ve been struggling to afford their bills with additional support such as grants, debt relief and payment plans.” 

Online form for coastguard volunteers is launched

Applying to enrol as a volunteer with HM Coastguard is becoming quicker and easier. After successful trials throughout the UK, a new online volunteer enrolment form has been launched nationally by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

With a tap or click of a mouse, applicants can access the form online to complete at home or on the go and submit on any internet-enabled device, including smartphones.

It’s the first MCA project to benefit from the government’s new digital form-builder, GOV.UK Forms, launched this year by the Government Digital Service, part of the Cabinet Office.

Coastguard rescue officers (CROs) undertake lifesaving search and rescue activities all around the UK coastline in diverse environments including mud, cliffs and water.

As members of coastguard rescue teams, they work closely with the other emergency services and volunteer organisations. As a volunteer role, attendance as a CRO is quite flexible. Full training and kit are provided.

Virginia McVea, Chief Executive of the MCA, said: “Coastguard rescue officers are the lifeblood of our service, ready 24/7 to go to the aid of people around the UK.

“Working with the Government Digital Service, we’ve put enrolment online to make it easier for people to apply for such a rewarding role and to maintain the strength of our response.

“Becoming a CRO means joining a close-knit team who enjoy camaraderie, personal development and the satisfaction of making a lifesaving difference.”

The digital enrolment form rolls out nationally tomorrow on 1 November 2023.

To apply to become a volunteer coastguard rescue officer, see the Volunteer as a coastguard information on GOV.UK.

To find out more about HM Coastguard, visit hmcoastguard.uk.

Scottish Fire and Rescue: Edinburgh Operations Control recruitment

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is recruiting for the next generation of 999 call handlers at its Operations Control site in Edinburgh.  

The role of Firefighter Control is the first point of contact for members of the public who dial 999 to report an emergency. It’s a vital role in keeping Scotland’s communities safe and ensuring that emergency incidents are dealt with effectively and efficiently.  

Group Commander Marie Clare Coyle said: “Our Firefighter Control staff provide a vital service to Scotland’s communities. Our teams are trained to an extremely high standard to enable them to provide emergency help where required.  

“It is a varied and hugely rewarding career, we deal with a range of calls from house fires and road traffic collisions, to major incidents and severe weather-related flooding, keeping people calm in times of distress and concentrating resources where they’re most required. “

 
SFRS is recruiting for Firefighter Control staff to be based at its city-centre site in the Scottish capital, which is located adjacent to Tollcross Community Fire Station. 

Applicants for must be aged 18 or over, with the ability to work rotating shifts.  

Successful applicants will join fellow Operations Control staff upon completion of a 14-week training period – learning how to co-ordinate emergency fire and rescue response and give potentially life-saving advice. 

Group Commander Coyle, who has worked for the service for 24 years, added: “Our Edinburgh control room primarily provides a response to incidents in the East Service Delivery Area and, where required, can support our other control rooms in Johnstone and Dundee. 

“We are looking for people who are motivated, have a willingness to learn, a strong team ethic and the ability to form relationships to take up these roles on Scotland’s unseen frontline.  

“We are a team and we work collectively to respond to each, and every emergency call across Scotland.” 

Find out more about the role and apply at:

 www.firescotland.gov.uk/careers/firefighter-control/ or via My Job Scotland.