How long have you been working for the Kelly Group?
I have been working for the company for 23 years.
What positions have you held throughout your tenure?
I joined the group in August 1998 straight from school, where I was working as a second man installing Cable TV and Telephone on behalf of Cable and Wireless. During my progression within the group, I also worked as a team manager and a site manager in Staffordshire. In 2011, I was transferred to Mark Lowton’s team to manage the Independent Audit Team, shortly after this transfer my role changed to manage the Training Team and eventually this led to me managing the recruitment team. Over the years, I have been involved in various projects, but throughout I have been involved in Recruitment and Training.
What does a typical week look like?
I do not really have a typical week. I have regular responsibilities that include planning the new intakes, liaising with different departments within the business to begin recruitment campaigns, making sure the training teams are aware of their requirements for the upcoming week. The rest however, is very varied; it may involve attending internal meetings or calls, showing prospective new clients around our facility in Brimsdown, creating new training courses, or working with the team to create new material.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
The variation. I never know what is going to happen the following day or week. I could be looking at my diary and it could change and be completely different from what I had planned.
Can you think of three words that describe your role?
- Interesting
- Varied
- Fast-paced
Before working for Kelly Group, what was the most unusual or interesting job you have ever had?
I used to have a paper round whilst I was at school and in my final year at school, I used to work in a fruit and vegetable department at a local superstore.
If you could switch your job with anyone else for one week, whose job would you want to experience?
I would love to go back to being an engineer because I genuinely enjoyed working within that role.
What advice do you have for future Kelly Group candidates?
To work hard and keep yourself motivated. At the beginning of your journey, as a trainee expect to be slower than experienced engineers, but make sure you don’t take any shortcuts and use the support that the company provides. One day you will come into work, everything will click, and you will really start to love and enjoy the role.
What 3 words would your friends/family use to describe you?
- Organised
- Fair
- Approachable
Can you give us a fun fact that nobody knows about you?
My first name is Jonathan; I have always used my second name.
What is your proudest moment at Kelly Group?
I have had many highlights throughout my 23 years of service with the company. One highlight is becoming an approved training provider with SQA, and in the first year winning an award for the Quality of our training. Being SQA approved has enabled us to complete all Street works qualifications internally to reduce the external cost of training. During my time we have also become a licensed centre with Smart Awards delivering their Safety modules for internal and now external clients such as Community Fibre. Holding these accreditations has allowed us to outsource training for the first time. We are looking to grow the external training element of the department over the next few months. Another highlight is being part of a team that has helped to develop and grow the company since I have been working for Kelly Group, in particular over the last 10 years.
I am also proud of all the great people I have met over the years working for the company.
