MAP-ping out a career path
A SCOTTISH motor group are pioneering a new approach in recruiting the future stars of the car retailing industry.
Five graduates are already on the road to a new career thanks to the assessment and recruitment programme devised by Eastern Western Motor Group.
They’ve partnered with Sandstone Communications, a specialist in skills acquisition and leadership development, to create a Management Acceleration Pathway (MAP).
This allows them to select, develop and coach talented people from the very start of their career with Eastern Western through to taking up line manager positions and beyond.
Keith Duncan, Group MD at Eastern Western, said: “It can be difficult for newly qualified graduates to get a foot on the ladder of the car business because most car companies require previous experience. They rarely offer a clear and effective path to management.
“At Eastern Western Motor Group, we see things differently. We are actively seeking really effective communicators who understand and embrace modern technology, and are capable of building relationships.
“Modern business graduates are ideal. An interest in cars helps, of course, but is not essential in any way.”
Sandstone’s automotive specialist team of Jeremy Gumbley, Tim Bradshaw and David Samuel – who have designed and delivered sales and management training for most of the major motor manufacturers all over the world – conducted the initial training and selection.
Tim said: “The ultimate aim is for them to be successfully managing areas of the business, but they must also have the resilience to complete an ‘apprenticeship’ on the sales team first.
“It is vital to understand the industry, the business and its people to lead a team effectively.”
Eastern Western Group HR manager Kim Gilfillan said: “This is a great way for graduates to jump start their careers.
“Graduates don’t simply want a job, they want a career path and the MAP Programme does just that.”
www.easternwestern.co.uk
ON THE JOB
KAYLEIGH Keith is one of five Scottish graduates who have begun a journey to the top of the car retailing industry through a new assessment and recruitment programme devised by Eastern Western Motor Group.
The programme was designed specifically for talented and ambitious young graduates with great communication skills and business acumen, rather than an automotive industry background.
The graduates have now taken up positions across the group, representing the BMW, Lexus, Toyota and Volkswagen franchises, and Kayleigh has just started as a Graduate Sales Executive at Western Toyota Newbridge.
Here, the 24-year-old, who studied Business Management with HR Management at Edinburgh’s Napier University, tells us about the programme.
How did you hear about the Eastern Western graduate recruitment programme?
I was handing in my dissertation and there was a display in the reception, alongside a Harley Davidson and a BMW i8 outside. I went to find out more and that was how the story began.
Why did you want to get involved?
The progression opportunities and the size of the industry was very appealing. Eastern Western really care about their employees, too, which makes it so much more lucrative to be involved in.
Have you always had an interest in cars or the automotive industry?
An interest in cars, yes. The whole industry, no. I had no idea what opportunities existed before so it’s a whole new world – and it’s huge!
Can you tell us about the experience so far?
The training week was amazing. I could not speak more highly of it. It was hands on and eye-opening, learning something new every minute.
I wasn’t used to using role-play as a training method. However, it was the most effective and, as a group, we got on really well and supported each other throughout.
Where are you now in terms of the programme and what does the role involve?
I am on my first week as a Graduate Sales Executive and learning quickly. The team have been really welcoming and willing to show me their roles.
At the moment, I’m going around each department, helping to make clear how every department works together. I’m starting to build up product knowledge as well as doing eLearning, which helps support that.
What are you hoping to get out of the programme in terms of future career prospects?
I’m hoping to become an established sales person with an outlook to progress to management. I’m not quite sure what aspect of the business I’d like to focus on so I’m taking it all in right now.
What advice would you give to other graduates thinking of applying for the programme?
Go for it! Times have changed, roles have changed. If you’re looking for a path of progression with a supportive culture around you, this is for you. ● The next graduate recruitment programme is scheduled to take place in June.
Interested candidates can apply by contacting Sandstone Communications through their website, www.sandstone communications.co.uk, or on LinkedIn at Sandstone Communications.