INDUSTRY
RECRUITMENT
Where’s the talent? Recruiting and retaining young people is a challenge for the office supplies sector, but there are ways to bring in new talent and ensure they stay for the long-term
F
or Mike James, attracting, training,
member, they are valued, mentored, motivated
motivating and retaining young
and see career progression. Prima also never forget
people in the office supplies sector
that, most importantly, everyone should enjoy
has been a passion for many years.
working for the company.”
“In 40 plus years at Esselte and
Mike adds that the Worshipful Company of
Wiles Greenworld we employed many talented young
Stationers has, in recent years, supported members
people. I regret that so few stayed,” he says.
with advice on apprenticeship schemes and how
This has been a problem for many OS companies
to utilise the apprenticeship levy. “We are currently
over the years, and recruiting young people, especially
working with leading companies in the workplace
with competition from a myriad of other sectors, can
supplies channel OS companies and are confident of
be difficult. “In more recent years, at Prima, we have a
achieving the same positive results that we have seen
superb record of employing, developing and retaining
in the packaging and newspaper sectors,” he says.
young talent, with current MD Ian Buckley being a great
“Also, sometimes us ‘elder statesman’ of the industry
example,” Mike continues. “This has been achieved
need to take more pride in our sector. It’s a great
by utilising apprenticeship schemes, together with
industry that has continued to reinvent itself over 600+
identifying talent in the local community.
years - and has offered us a great living with a lot of
“We also ensure that, once they become a team
[10] JANUARY 2022
www.dealersupport.co.uk
fun along the way!”
