Applicant Feedback on a Recently Redesigned Apprenticeship Selection Process
Background
The OPC collected and analysed feedback from delegates to understand their views and experiences of a new selection process, designed for Bus Éireann (BE) and Dublin Buses’ Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanics (AHVM) role.
OPC psychologists helped to redesign BE’s selection process with the aim of improving diversity and inclusion for their apprenticeship programme. BE specifically wanted to address the underrepresentation of women in particular roles and attract more apprentices from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups.
How the OPC helped
Following a role profile review, the OPC proposed using six online tests from the Core Skills Series to assess foundational and core reasoning skills: Abstract Reasoning; Diagrammatic Reasoning; Mechanical Reasoning; Spatial Reasoning; Numerical & Verbal skills.
OPC also designed a bespoke Situational Judgement Test (SJT), an interview, and newly designed practical exercises. We also designed candidate practice materials and an interview preparation form to help candidates perform to the best of their ability on the day.
Candidate feedback on the redesigned Apprenticeships selection process
Overall, when considering the entire process, the candidate feedback was extremely positive:
Nearly 90%
of delegates said they had a good experience through the selection process.
85%
said they enjoyed taking part.
80%
noted they felt valued through the process.
88%
of candidates still wanted to work at BE, having completed the new selection process.
When asked about the online tests themselves:
- 70% said they thought the tests were relevant to the apprentice role.
- 91% agreed that they understood what they needed to do when they completed the tests.
- And when asked if the tests were challenging, 71% of candidates disagreed.
Thinking about the new practice materials, to support candidates when taking the online tests, nearly 90% of candidates agreed they were helpful.
- 85% of delegates thought the new SJT was relevant to the apprentice role.
"They weren’t too hard, or too easy. I’m glad I did them. They helped me understand a lot more about the apprenticeship role."
Applicant feedback
The interviews
- 87% of candidates felt that the interview preparation form was helpful, and;
- 91% agreed that the form was relevant to the apprentice role.
"I really loved this section. It gave me a glimpse of what apprentices do and what I might become in the future."
Applicant feedback
- 86% of candidates felt they were able to give their best at the interview, with;
- 90% stating they understood what they needed to do during the interview as well.
Finally, candidates were asked how they thought BE’s new selection process compared with other apprentice recruitment processes:
- More than 1 in 3 thought that BE’s process was better than other Apprenticeship recruitment processes they’d previously attended, and as a result;
- 85% of applicants would recommend Bus Eireann/Dublin Bus to other people, based on their own experience.
Quotes
"It was a great experience."
Apprenticeship Applicant
"Although our new apprentices have only recently started, we’re extremely impressed by the quality and calibre of individuals."
David Poynton Rowley – Apprenticeship Manager
Get in touch
If you’d like to read more about this project, then click here for the full article, or if you think we can help support your recruitment processes, then get in touch with our friendly OPC team.