2. EMPLOYERS PERSPECTIVE GEOFF PICKARD

3. Company Statistics International company with global representation. UK fleet size – 60,000 cars 6,000 vans. The Uks Biggest rental company. 200 locations in the Uk. Employing 4,000 staff.

4. EMPLOYABILITY, Finding employees who will be able to the job with a minimum of additional training. EMPLOYABILITY, Finding employees who posses the essential interpersonal skills. EMPLOYABILITY, Finding employees who will stay with the company.

5. HOW IS THIS ACHIEVED Provide input for educational program's Influence syllabus Provide work placements to support learning

6. What are the rewards ? Gives the industry visibility. Qualifications that act as filters. Cost effective.

7. What are the challenges ? Finding and networking with all stakeholders. ( colleges, students, and employers ) Working with stakeholders. Finding the resources to support work placements.

8. What are the frustrations ? Working with colleges to achieve common goals. Providing realistic and relevant placements. Handling student expectations. Achieving the balance between the academic and vocational skills input.

9. How we influence the course structure. How we influence the course modules. How we influence the placement experience. How we look to recruit. Influences when working together !

10. Training in the work place Balanced academic / vocational experience. Occupational standards and requirements. Mentor student.

11. So how to get involved ? Contact Colleges of Further and Higher Education. Identify a key facilitator ( In Education or Sector Skills Council ) Talk to other companies within same industry sector.

12. Training to Gain The investment that you make now, the challenges, the frustrations and the rewards,will the be foundation of the organizations future success. It will enhance its ability to compete in the ever increasing competitive market place.

13. Successes - case studies 1 Miss E Harwood. I studied at New college Durham between 1997-1999. My placement in the Middlesbrough Branch of National was rewarding,challenging and relevant to my Studies and the intended career plans. This experience ultimately lead to be appointed on a full time basis. I am currently team leader at the company's Newcastle location.

14. Successes - case studies 2 Miss Gayle Walker.I studied at New College Durham between 1995-1997, Work placement and a program both educational and vocational input has lead me to progress through branch management, to now work in our head office in Leicester as Center manager. I am responsible for 50 staff and will regularly need to rely upon my skills which were developed through the relationship between New College Durham and National Europcar.

15. Successes - case studies 3 National Europcar engage with New College Durham at all levels, from curriculum development,re- validation, review, placements, guest lecturing and student recruitment.

16. SUMMARY Employability How is it achieved What are the rewards What are the challenges/frustrations Influences in the workplace Training in the work place How to get involved You train you will gain Case studies

17. Questions ?