Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week

At GCS Associates, we are proud to support National Apprenticeship Week by showcasing the incredible journeys of our team members who have benefited from apprenticeships. This week, we highlight Kimberley Hollis, a Recruitment Consultant at GCS Associates, whose apprenticeship played a pivotal role in shaping her career in recruitment and the building materials sector.

Kimberley’s Role at GCS Associates

Kimberley is a specialist Recruitment Consultant at GCS Associates, focusing on the Building Materials sector. Her day-to-day role involves identifying top talent, understanding client needs, and matching candidates with the right opportunities. Beyond recruitment, she offers career advice, interview coaching, and ongoing support to candidates looking to progress in the industry.

Starting Out in the Industry

Kimberley began her career in the builders’ merchant sector, working as a Customer Service Adviser at Buildbase. In this role, she gained valuable experience in customer relations, order management, and understanding the needs of trade professionals. Her passion for the industry and strong client relationships led her to GCS Associates, where she found the perfect opportunity to use her knowledge to help others find career success.

How an Apprenticeship Shaped Her Career

When Kimberley joined GCS, she was eager to build a long-term career with clear development opportunities. She undertook a recruitment apprenticeship, which provided her with a solid foundation in key areas such as finance, marketing, business development, and the recruitment process itself.

Balancing full-time work with her studies, Kimberley completed assignments, assessments, and interviews as part of the course. Her dedication paid off when she achieved a distinction with an impressive 99% score – the highest ever recorded for that qualification.

A Day in the Life of a Recruitment Consultant

Kimberley’s role is dynamic and varied. A typical day includes sourcing candidates, engaging with clients, and developing new business opportunities. Whether she’s helping a job seeker find their next opportunity or assisting a company in securing top talent, she thrives on the fast-paced nature of recruitment. No two days are the same, and that’s exactly what she loves about it!

Overcoming Challenges in the Industry

Recruitment comes with its challenges. Sometimes, even after finding the perfect candidate for a role, unforeseen circumstances arise – candidates might receive counteroffers or decide to stay in their current positions.

Another challenge is shifting perceptions within the building materials industry, especially encouraging more women and young people to consider careers in the sector. Kimberley tackles these obstacles with resilience, strong communication, and a problem-solving mindset.

Proud Achievements and Future Goals

One of Kimberley’s proudest achievements is completing her apprenticeship with a top distinction. Additionally, she takes great pride in placing candidates who go on to thrive and progress in their careers.

For those considering a career in recruitment or the building materials sector, Kimberley offers some valuable advice:

• Be resilient – Setbacks happen, but learning from them is key to success.
• Stay open-minded – There’s always something new to learn.
• Seek guidance – Asking questions and learning from others will help you progress.

Encouraging More Young People and Women into the Industry

The building materials sector has traditionally been seen as male-dominated, which can discourage women and younger individuals from pursuing careers in the field. However, this is changing. Businesses are prioritising diversity, offering more opportunities, and showcasing success stories like Kimberley’s to inspire the next generation.

Final Thoughts

Kimberley’s story is a testament to the value of apprenticeships in providing real career opportunities. The building materials sector offers stability, growth, and the chance to make a tangible impact on the world around us.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship or a career in recruitment, now is the perfect time to take the leap. At GCS Associates, we are proud to support apprenticeships and help individuals build rewarding careers.

Interested in a career in recruitment or the building materials sector? Get in touch with GCS Associates today!