‘Personnel agents will be more vital than ever'

The post-recession slowdown in skills training has impacted significantly on an already critical skills shortage. Candidates are currently employed on skill as opposed to potential. Prior to the recession, training was a very important aspect of our industry and since 2008, this has dwindled. It would be wonderful to see companies reintroducing very necessary training and development for the youth, grooming them to become the leaders of this evolving industry. On the recruitment side I see an even stronger need for agency services as clients battle with handling possibly 150 applications for one semi-skilled job. However I think that the recruitment agencies that will thrive in this market are those that are part of a professional organisation such as Apso, who abide by a Code of Ethics. Candidates apply on line, our clients respond on line and the personal touch has diminished. – Lee Botti