Premiere Employment
Background
Premiere Employment is one of the country’s leading recruitment agencies. It helps companies hire high quality temporary and permanent staff, and has built an enviable reputation thanks to its dedication, professional service and reliability. Premiere’s clients are from the commercial, industrial, and catering sectors, with specialist divisions covering engineering and occupational health. It also has a number of specialist driving hubs that place HGV drivers.
The agency’s commitment to meeting the exact needs of its clients has led to significant growth since it was founded in 1983. Premiere now has 23 branches throughout the UK and Ireland, with the newest office opening in March 2005.
The challenge
To maintain this level of success, Premiere needs to ensure that it is sending the best possible candidates to its clients. To make sure each individual possessed the required skills and attributes, agency staff had been using one of the market-leading skills test providers. However, the company was looking for a product that was more up-to-date, and more accurately reflected the needs of the market.
Concerns had also been raised about the level of support that was available from the existing supplier, particularly as it had failed on a number of computers across the country. “We really needed a robust and recognised testing process – and one that would really differentiate us from our high street competitors,” explains Viv Macaskill, Commercial Divisional Manager at Premiere. “Our existing solution had become too expensive, so it was definitely time for a change.”
The solution
After looking at a number of alternative suppliers, and following a demonstration of its testing suites, Premiere selected Skillsarena to replace its existing test provider. Agency staff started using the tests in March 2004, starting with Skillsarena’s UK Clerical Suite, which covers audio typing, speed typing, data entry, and spelling and grammar, as well as tests on Microsoft Office applications. The agency is now considering using Skillsarena’s accountancy packages, particularly Sage software, in certain branches where demand is high.
“It’s very straightforward and quick to obtain new assessment modules from Skillsarena,” says Macaskill. “Once we’ve made the decision to take on a new test, we have it available within about 24 hours. That means we can stay flexible and meet our local branches’ demands for particular skills.”
Each assessment suite was accompanied by a full day’s training for users, and different groups of Premiere’s staff were also given regular presentations on the tests. “Skillsarena’s people really helped us to overcome any initial resistance to change, and the tests are now very well received,” explains Macaskill.
The benefits
The Skillsarena assessment modules offer Premiere the ability to email the tests out to candidates. This means they can be taken at a convenient time for everyone. And because they are often going through the assessments in familiar surroundings, candidates tend to be less intimidated, and generate a result that is a more accurate reflection of their true capabilities.
“Our consultants on the permanent side are particularly pleased with the ability to send tests out to their candidates,” explains Macaskill. “They find it absolutely superb because candidates who already have a job can take the tests at home, rather than coming into our offices. It’s much easier for them to manage.”
Premiere is also impressed with the ability to email assessments to their clients, who can then use them to benchmark their own staff for skills gap and training needs analyses.
“What we really like about the Skillsarena tests is the fact that they are not predictive. With other suppliers its very easy for candidates to learn the tests, but that doesn’t happen with Skillsarena. It means we can be sure that our candidates can really perform the tasks required of them, and haven’t just learnt the set answers,” adds Macaskill.
Because the use of Skillsarena tests has been so successful, Premiere is now buying further licences, in particular the specialist Call Centre Suite for four of the branches. “We have large requirements for call centre advisors who can provide excellent customer service,” says Macaskill. “As an agency we know just how important that is. Skillsarena plays a vital role in delivering the best possible results for us – and our clients.”
