Leading safety company Arco has launched its first dedicated graduate placement programme as part of an ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of industry talent. .
From hundreds of initial applications, Charlotte Andrews, Tom Newman, Olivia Richardson and Harry Shepherd have joined the fifth-generation Hull family business as part of the 18-month paid programme, based at Arco’s new headquarters at Blackfriargate.
Developed in-house, the programme will see the graduates develop their skills and knowledge within diverse areas of the business, including in finance, the commercial team, marketing and HR, while acquiring further relevant qualifications.
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Darren Ford, head of learning and development at Arco, said: “It’s fantastic that we were able to attract so many high-calibre applications and we’re delighted to have successfully recruited four exceptional candidates. They will bring fresh ideas and ways of working to our business while we offer them an invaluable early career development opportunity in return.”
One of those taking part in the programme is Olivia Richardson, a Media and Screen Studies graduate from the University of Hull, who will be joining Arco’s marketing team as a marketing graduate. She said: “Having lived in Hull all my life, I was always aware of Arco and knew that they had a strong reputation of being a good company to work for and that they really contribute to the local community, so I knew that it would be a company that would fit with my own values.
“The graduate assessment day I took part in for the programme was a real challenge and pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I really enjoyed it and was excited to be chosen as one of the four graduates. Upon completing the graduate programme, it would be great if I could eventually go on to help others do the same thing as they start out in their careers.”
Arco has a strong history in attracting and nurturing talent, including through its Future Experts programme, which has supported nearly 60 apprentices since its launch in 2016. It is hoped that the new programme will become a regular recruitment avenue.
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