A pioneering initiative to train unemployed people, some from disadvantaged backgrounds, for work in a new UK casino has enhanced recruitment for one of Britain’s best-known leisure companies.
An innovative programme to train unemployed candidates for vacancies at the Grosvenor Casino launched by Rank Group at Southend-on-Sea, Essex, has been delivered by national talent development company Beyond 2030.
Grosvenor originally needed 100 employees for the opening of its new casino, including experienced and trainee dealers, food and drink supervisors and workers, kitchen staff, porters, cashiers, electronic gaming hosts and receptionists, but faced the challenges of recruiting and retaining staff in a seaside town.
Beyond 2030 worked alongside managers at the casino to understand the skills and training required and what potential recruits should expect in terms of shift times, pay, promotion prospects and company culture.
After initial research, Beyond 2030 ran an intensive selection and training programme, tailored to the precise needs of Grosvenor casino managers to identify and train local jobless candidates, some of whom were from disadvantaged backgrounds or had never even written a job application or CV.
Rank Group director of talent acquisition, Nick Boothroyd, said: “As with all leisure and hospitality businesses, we face relatively high staff turnover. Challenges include candidates being able to accommodate our shift patterns for 24-hour opening, high customer service expectations and the transient nature of some candidates.
“Rank is not a well-known employer and we are new to Southend. The quality of candidates for final interview has been far higher with Beyond 2030’s involvement. Candidates are far more aware of the employment requirements of Rank, Grosvenor and a casino. They are also better aligned with our values and know what to expect from the work experience or recruitment process.”
