New induction course set to become recruitment industry standard

MEDIA RELEASE

The peak body for the recruitment and on-hire industry has today launched an online recruitment induction course designed to increase preparedness for a career in recruitment and enhance professionalism in the industry.

Developed by the RCSA (Recruitment & Consulting Services Association) in conjunction with specialist training company Recruitment Academy, Introduction to Recruitment provides a practical guide to recruitment.

According to Ms Julie Mills, CEO of the RCSA, the course was developed in response to Member demand for training targeted at those wanting to enter the recruitment industry.

“Like any employer, recruitment agencies want to know that those who are wanting to enter the profession have the tools and knowledge to understand what is required to deliver outcomes and get the job done. And when it’s done properly, induction is also critical to boosting staff satisfaction and retention, because employees need to feel confident and understand what’s expected of them, from commencement, in order to have a positive work experience,” Ms Mills said.

She added that the course will also make good business sense for the industry.

“Recruitment agencies can use the RCSA Centre for Recruitment Excellence to achieve this critical process and know that they are getting an industry-designed and recognised course. Completing the five modules also provides the CPE points required to become an RCSA Accredited Professional Recruiter, so it gives participants a focus on professional standards from the very outset of their career,” Ms Mills said.

Managing Director of the Recruitment Academy, Mr Michael Dimopoulos, said the induction course is designed to give a practical, ‘day-in-the-life’ insight into the role of a recruiter.

“It’s all about giving participants a real-life introduction to recruitment. The course looks at the big picture – such as the importance of sales and people skills – right down to the details such as terminology and privacy obligations. After completing the five modules, participants will be ‘desk-ready’ and fully equipped to start work,” he said.

Mr Dimopoulos also said online delivery was a key consideration in meeting the needs of agencies.

“The Recruitment Academy has had great success with face-to-face workshops that prepare people for a career in the industry, but the format didn’t always suit those working full time or living in regional areas. Having an employee out of the office for that length of time can also be strain on resourcing. So we collaborated with the RCSA, and their online education partner Learning Seat, to provide an option that can be studied anytime, anywhere,” he said.

The course will be of great value to individuals seeking a career change or a launch pad into the industry.

“‘Difficulty in finding recruitment staff’ is consistently one of the top concerns reported in RCSA’s Member research. By making the induction course so readily available to individuals, we will build a pool of candidates who understand the job and the competencies they need to succeed. Employers will also benefit from placing entry-level consultants who have equipped themselves with basic industry knowledge,” Ms Mills said.

The first module will be available from this week, with others being rolled out in January.

ENDS

Recruitment and Consulting Services Association

The Recruitment and Consulting Services Association (RCSA) is the leading industry body for Australia and New Zealand with over 3,600 members in recruitment, consulting and on-hire employment services. The Association sets professional standards, conducts research, educates and develops members’ skills, monitors industry development and lobbies State and Federal Governments on issues directly affecting members.

Media contacts:

• Danielle Murdolo, Buchan, +61 03 9866 4722, 0403 688 980 or dmurdolo [at] bcg [dot] com [dot] au
• Belinda White, Buchan, +61 03 9866 4722, 0421 193 668 or bwhite [at] bcg [dot] com [dot] au