What is the agr Standard?
The agr Standard is a toolkit based on a series of competencies that define the processes and core activities for graduate recruitment professionals. It aims to ensure that individuals have the skills and knowledge required when working in graduate recruitment at a practitioner level.
Why did AGR develop the Standard?
AGR developed the Standard in light of increasing demand from the membership for a framework that describes the core activities involved in graduate recruitment. The Standard provides a basis by which performance and competency can be enhanced.
What is the Practitioner Development Programme (PDP)?
The Practitioner Development Programme (PDP) is a formal training programme organised as part of agr Live which helps individuals to achieve the agr Standard. The Practitioner Development Programme (PDP) has been designed in a flexible way so that individuals can complete it in a timescale that suits them.
How do I achieve the Standard and what is involved?
In order to achieve the agr Standard for Graduate Recruitment, individuals are required to enroll on the Practitioner Development Programme (PDP). This programme provides individuals with the opportunity to develop the skills needed by graduate recruitment professionals.
After completing the one day Overview of Graduate Recruitment course, individuals attend a number of other agr Live sessions. These activities provide individuals with an insight into best practice, and an understanding of the theory and principles which underpin the key activities in graduate recruitment. They also offer individuals the opportunity to learn the Key Skills that are required by practitioners in their day-to-day work.
Individuals are invited to choose four of the following five course elements:
- Understanding and Engaging with Higher Education
- Graduate Marketing
- Graduate Selection
- Graduate Development
- Evaluating Graduate Recruitment Effectiveness
On the completion of their Practitioner Development Programme, individuals submit a workbook of evidence to AGR's Chief Executive that includes a record of their development during the programme and demonstrates their ability to perform to practitioner level.
Who is the Standard aimed at?
The Standard is aimed at individuals and organisations who want to develop the competencies and key skills required by graduate recruitment practitioners.
The programme is aimed at individuals who want to participate in a formal training programme to help them to develop the competencies and skills required by graduate recruitment practitioners. This programme is particularly appropriate for those new to graduate recruitment.
Will AGR develop an advanced version of the Practitioner Development Programme?
The AGR Education & Training task group will review the content, level and structure of the programme, working with the membership to identify future developments for the Standard.
How much does it cost to achieve the Standard?
In order to achieve the Standard, individuals need to enrol on the Practitioner Development Programme.
The Practitioner Development Programme includes attendance at a number of agr Live events including a 1 day Induction Programme, 4 Master Class Sessions, and 4 two day Expertise sessions.
The total cost for Members enrolling on, and completing, the Programme is £2,300 which includes a 15% discount which is applicable if the fees are paid in a single, up front payment. This price includes a personal copy of the manual, attendance at all of the agr Live events and all training materials. The price does not include travel and accommodation costs. For more information telephone the AGR office on 01926 623 236 or alternatively email info@agr.org.uk.
How long does it take to achieve the Standard?
Achieving the Standard takes a minimum of 12 months, however the Practitioner Development Programme has been put together in a flexible format so that individuals can complete the programme in a timescale that suits them. For example, an individual may choose to spread their attendance at the programme’s agr Live events over 12, 18 or 24 months to fit in with their personal or work commitments.
What commitment is required from individuals and organisations to achieve the Standard?
Individuals working to achieve the Standard need to be committed to their own continual professional development. Throughout the programme, individuals will be provided with lots of information, tools and techniques that they will be expected to apply and use in their working environment. In order to use their new skills effectively it is essential that their employer is supportive and committed to providing the individual with the opportunity to develop those skills.
Can I fail?
No — there are no examinations or formal assessments. The purpose of the Practitioner Development Programme is not about passing or failing. It is concerned with raising the standard of graduate recruitment practice across the industry and therefore the focus is on giving individuals the opportunity to identify the areas in which they need to develop and provide them with the training opportunities to make those improvements.
A key emphasis of the Programme is about individuals taking what they have learnt at the various agr Live events and working with their teams and line managers to apply and constantly develop it in the workplace.. Throughout the training, individuals are given numerous opportunities to learn about best practice and current initiatives and to find out about the most effective ways to use what they have learnt back at the workplace.
Where is the training held?
Events are currently held at venues in London as well as at AGR’s offices in Warwick.
Can organisations achieve the Standard?
The current agr Standard is aimed at ‘Individuals’ working in graduate recruitment and it is anticipated that those individuals will take what they have learnt back to benefit their organisation.
In the past the AGR has organised dedicated training days for a single organisation, for example taking the Overview of Graduate Development course and delivering this to a single recruitment team, often as part of the organisation’s own development plans. Please contact Gary Argent, AGR Operations Manager, for more information on this option (gary@agr.org.uk).
What do I need to do in order to enrol on the Practitioner Development Programme?
In order to enrol, individuals need to gain the commitment and endorsement of their employer to support them through the Programme. Once individuals have gained this commitment, they need to complete an enrolment from which can be obtained here. The completed form should be sent back to the agr office with full payment of £2,300 plus VAT, which includes a 15% reduction for up front booking. Alternatively, courses can be paid for on an event-by-event basis.
When can I enrol on the Practitioner Development Programme to achieve the Standard?
Individuals can enrol on the programme at any time. The Overview of Graduate Recruitment courses commence in January and run a number of times throughout the year. This means that individuals are able to select their own start point on the Programme to fit with their work schedule.
Who is endorsing the Standard?
The agr Standard and its associated Practitioner Development Programme have been developed in conjunction with the association’s members and external training organisations following extensive research and consideration by the task group set up by the agr Board of Directors.
In effect and quite appropriately, the endorsement is by agr, the only body in the UK that represents the best interests of the graduate recruitment sector as a whole.
Can I still attend agr Live events if I am not on the Practitioner Development Programme?
Yes, agr Live events continue to be open to all agr members.