Working Together: Employability Academy With Discovery Flexibles

Discovery Flexibles, known for producing biscuit wrappers, sweetie wrappers, and other packaging found in supermarkets across the UK, faced significant hurdles in their recruitment process. Jimmy, the owner of Discovery Flexibles, shared the frustration: "We had 29 interviews planned, and only four people turned up. None of them were suitable for the job." The traditional recruitment methods were not yielding the desired results, leaving the company struggling to find qualified candidates.

To address these challenges, Dundee & Angus College introduced the concept of an Employability Academy. This six-week intensive training programme is designed to bridge the gap between the skills businesses need and local unemployed people to give them the training to try and get them into those roles. Caryn Gibson, the Business Partnership Manager at Dundee & Angus College, explained, "These academies are a brilliant way to solve two problems: supporting businesses with growth aspirations and reducing unemployment across the region."

The Employability Academy at Discovery Flexibles was a collaborative effort. The college worked closely with the company to identify specific skills gaps and tailor the training accordingly. "We looked at the roles within our business, the specific skills required for those roles, and worked together to tailor-make this six-week Academy," said Leigh Caird, HR at Discovery Flexibles.

One of the standout features of this partnership was the involvement of Discovery Flexibles team throughout the process. This collaboration ensured that the training was not just theoretical but directly applicable to the roles within the company. Ian Hutcheson, a production operator at Discovery Flexibles, highlighted the effectiveness of this approach: "At the end of the course, it was guaranteed interviews for everybody. I had an interview and was successful in getting the job."

Ian’s experience is a testament to the success of the course. The training provided him with the necessary skills, while the supportive environment at Discovery Flexibles made him feel part of a family. "The people working here are all great, and it’s a joy just coming in and feeling part of a family," Ian shared.

The partnership between Dundee & Angus College and Discovery Flexibles has proven to be a win-win. Not only did it solve the immediate recruitment challenges, but it also cultivated a sense of loyalty and commitment among the new employees. Caryn Gibson pointed out, "The key to success with the Employability Academy was the genuine partnership. What you put into that Academy, you will get out of it."

If your business is facing recruitment challenges, an Employability Academy could be the solution you’ve been looking for. By partnering with Dundee & Angus College, you can access tailored training programmes designed to meet your specific needs and ensure a skilled, committed workforce.