1. Copyright SIG plc 2008 Employability for the Future Employer, Student & Academic Perspectives An Employer’s View - SIG plc John Hornby Ann Lyon

2. Copyright SIG plc 2008 Outline of presentation What is SIG? How do graduates apply? What do we expect from Graduates? What is needed to develop in the organisation? Summary Questions

3. Copyright SIG plc 2008 John Hornby Training and Development Manager Specialise in Management and Graduate Development across the SIG Group Ann Lyon HR Manager Previous experience in Graduate Recruitment and Management Development

4. Copyright SIG plc 2008 What is SIG plc? SIG plc is the leading international specialist supplier to the construction, building and industrial markets. The Group has four core business sectors: – Insulation – Roofing – Commercial Interiors and – Specialist Construction & Safety Products

5. Copyright SIG plc 2008 Quick reference Key facts Active in 10 countries 12,000 + Employees Trades from over 700 locations in Europe Turnover in 2007 £2.45b Underlying profit before tax £139m Over 50 acquisitions during the last 3 years

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8. Graduate Job Applications Completion of application form/CV Contact with the company Research & Prepare Get some work experience Reflect on employability skills

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10. What do companies want of Graduates? Company competency profiles – most businesses looking for a combination of: good technical skills strong interpersonal skills ability to learn Personal Perspective – do you fit in with: culture of the company personality of the people?

11. Copyright SIG plc 2008 Our Perceptions of businesses Sir Alan Sugar - aggressive and uncompromising – what about his advisors – Margaret Mountford and Nick Hewer Oxfam – Charity shops – Aid to Africa? – ethics – spent $5m Tesco - ethics – 4 th biggest retailer in the world – Check out operative Mitsubishi – size and diversity – 2 nd world war fighter – Cars – Build ships – sell insurance

12. Copyright SIG plc 2008 Could you fit in with and work for – Links to environment – More delivery vehicles than Morrisons – Diversity – People Windows to Air Conditioning Insulation to roofing tiles Flooring to ceiling tiles

13. Copyright SIG plc 2008 What do we expect from Graduates? Competencies and experience Formal education Degree result – 2:2 and above Specialist area for some roles Languages Combined honours? Maths and English ability Diversity of business knowledge Work experience Personal attributes A personality Ability to integrate Deal with people of all levels/backgrounds Initiative Self discipline Drive Ability to identify problems Influence and challenge other people Manage themselves Want to learn

14. Copyright SIG plc 2008 What does the future hold? People’s lives becoming more organised An ABC of reorganisation would start with automation A blurring of boundaries within organisations Collaborative networks more commonplace Dis-aggregation & re- aggregation of organisations proceeded apace Elimination of management layers may be approaching limit Flexibility increasingly highly prized by organisations (‘Going Global, key questions for the 21 st century’, Moynagh & Worsley) Responsiveness to change Flexible & adaptable Open to learning Highly effective communication & networking Able to work within different cultures Use of technology Language skills (language plus a vocational skill will be at a premium in the future) Continually learning and adapting Confidence and humility Self awareness – Understand own strengths and weaknesses – Work with and around those – Honesty Perseverance Able to influence others – at all levels – Manage up and down – Empathise with others – Be in command when needed

15. Copyright SIG plc 2008 Questions?

16. Copyright SIG plc 2008 Final thought on Employability Company competency profiles – most people looking for a combination of good technical skills with strong interpersonal skills & ability to learn Personal Perspective – do you fit in with the culture of the company and the personality of the people?