Time for Change: Self-selecting out – Attracting diverse candidates

Apprenticeships are amazing and open to all. Or they should be…. What happens when potential apprentices self-select out of an opportunity simply because they feel they wouldn’t fit in? That they wouldn’t even get past the application stage? That their background, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or ethnicity immediately rules them out, despite having the experience, qualifications, skillset or enthusiasm the employer is looking for?

The fact is that employers are looking for the best fit for their role. Hiring diverse apprentices is a priority for many employers. While there are some roles that it might be sensible to self-select out of (the fire service if you are not physically fit to pass the physical for example, or nursing if you can’t stand the sight of blood), the decision is often made for all the wrong reasons. So, how can employers ensure that all suitable candidates apply for their opportunities? What can they do to reach out to all candidates? How can they ensure their opportunities reach and are responded to by the people they want on their teams?

We’ll be joined by a fantastic panel of experts who will be sharing their valuable insight, experience and some practical hints and tips.