The race to secure top-tier talent is unending. Abrel, a company at the forefront of innovation, has navigated these turbulent waters by forging symbiotic partnerships with academic institutions and implementing strategic programmes aimed at nurturing early-career engineers. This approach not only addresses the immediate recruitment challenges but also establishes a sustainable talent pipeline, ensuring long-term organisational growth and competitiveness.
In-Depth University Collaborations
The partnership with the University of Limerick (UL) and the Technological University of Shannon (TUS) through the Co-Operative Student Placement programme is a cornerstone of Abrel’s talent strategy. This initiative is more than just an internship; it’s an immersive, project-based learning experience that aligns closely with the academic curriculum and professional engineering practices.
Project-Based Engineering Roles
Students are not mere observers but active participants in meaningful projects that have tangible impacts on the company’s operations and product development. This hands-on involvement enhances their problem-solving skills, technical acumen, and understanding of project management, preparing them for the complexities of the engineering field.
Mutual Benefits
The dual benefits of this arrangement cannot be overstressed. For students, the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings significantly enhances their learning experience, making them more adaptable and innovative. Abrel, on the other hand, gains access to a pool of motivated individuals brimming with fresh ideas and cutting-edge knowledge from academia, potentially driving innovation within the company.
Structuring Success for New Graduates
The GradStart Programme, supported by Enterprise Ireland, represents a targeted effort to harness and nurture the potential of recent graduates and those with minimal industry experience.
24-Month Fixed Term Contract with Mentorship
This period is critical for both observation and growth. Graduates are not left to navigate the complexities of their new roles alone but are paired with experienced mentors. These mentors provide guidance, feedback, and support, facilitating the graduates’ professional development and integration into the company culture.
Induction and Project-Based Work
The programme begins with a comprehensive induction process, acquainting the graduates with Abrel’s operations, ethics, and expectations. Following this, the project-based work begins, designed to challenge and develop the graduates’ skills in a structured manner. This approach ensures that by the end of the 24 months, the graduates have a solid portfolio of work and a deep understanding of their role and contributions to the company.
Path to Permanency
The ultimate goal for many participating in the GradStart Programme is to secure a permanent position at Abrel. The programme’s structured nature allows for a thorough evaluation of the graduates’ capabilities, fit, and potential to contribute to the company long-term. This pathway to permanency not only motivates the graduates to excel but also allows Abrel to cultivate a loyal and highly skilled workforce.
Wider Industry and Societal Benefits
The strategic partnerships with universities and the GradStart Programme extend benefits beyond Abrel and its direct stakeholders.
Enhancing Employability and Addressing Skill Gaps
By providing students and graduates with essential industry experience and skills, these initiatives significantly enhance their employability. Furthermore, they contribute to narrowing the skills gap in the engineering sector, ensuring that the workforce is equipped to meet current and future challenges.
Promoting Innovation and Technological Advancement
The fresh perspectives and new ideas brought into Abrel by students and graduates can lead to innovative solutions and advancements in technology. This not only benefits Abrel but also contributes to the industry’s overall growth and competitiveness.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Through these initiatives, Abrel demonstrates a commitment to the professional development of emerging talent and the advancement of the engineering profession. This reflects positively on Abrel’s corporate image, showcasing it as a socially responsible and forward-thinking employer.
Abrel’s approach to recruitment and talent development through university collaborations and the GradStart Programme is a comprehensive strategy that benefits the company, its employees, and the wider engineering community. By fostering a symbiotic relationship between academia and industry, and by structuring pathways for graduate development, Abrel not only addresses its immediate recruitment challenges but also contributes to the sustainable development of the engineering profession and technological innovation.
‘I am a 3rd Year Electronic Engineering student from TUS Limerick and I completing my 6 month Co-Op placement with Abrel. At Abrel, I am being given a brilliant opportunity to develop and build my skills and knowledge in all aspects of the Electronic Engineering discipline. I am learning something new every day and am gaining experience in area’s that have both challenged me and will benefit me in my final year of college and beyond’. – Anthony Shaw
