The recruitment market is increasingly competitive, and with so many high profile and professional graduate recruitment programmes around, KTP also faces the challenge of tapping into the talent pool.

The UK Graduate Careers Survey found that from nearly 16,500 final year students surveyed, a clear profile of priorities emerged from candidates applying for jobs, including: 'content of work', 'quality of training and development', 'using degree subject studied' and 'achieving a professional qualification'. It is true to say that KTP scores highly on all of these key areas, and yet many KTP offices are reporting difficulties in attracting candidates to vacancies. 

This 'difficulty' however, needs further investigation as the size and scale of KTP will influence the recruitment of Associates. Regional variances will of course be a factor in the availability of qualified candidates, as will typically difficult-to-fill technical roles – which is an across the board challenge faced by all recruiters, not just those from KTP. Recent figures from KTP show that the quality of outcomes from projects is now higher than ever, which demonstrates that KTP is employing the right calibre of candidates, but that accessing them might require more investment, a conclusion echoed by the University of Bath KTP Office.

“Whilst we are often getting a quantity of applicants for each vacancy advertised, we were frequently not getting the quality and as a result have to go through two, three or even four rounds of advertising to be able to appoint.” Says Marie Morley, Recruitment Manager.

Given the increasing competition in graduate recruitment, now is arguably a good time to look more closely at the recruitment and selection processes involved in KTP.

From a study undertaken by KTP marketing, which reviewed a large selection of KTP adverts, a number of trends and opportunities for development were revealed.

Firstly, the study showed that high numbers of logos and brands were used in job adverts. KTP is a unique 'story' to tell, in that the recruitment and terms and conditions of employment are undertaken by the Knowledge Base, and yet the Associate is based with the company partner. In ¼ page adverts, amongst a sea of other recruitment ads, this can be difficult to communicate, and multiple brands/logos and lengthy sentences can be confusing.

KTP recommends that logos should be kept to a minimum and should include the Knowledge Base logo and the KTP logo only. Information on KTP should be kept concise and in easy to understand language. A more detailed information sheet on KTP should be available in the 'job pack'. Associates should also be directed to the graduate recruitment page on the KTP website for more information: www.ktponline.org.uk/greatcareeroptions

Secondly, analysis revealed that the language used to describe the role was technical and in some cases, very detailed. Recruitment language should be bold, concise and personal – aiming to speak directly to the target audience. Over-use of technical language or jargon may deter the reader from reading further.

The key thing to remember when recruiting candidates for any role is, know your audience. Jobs must appear as opportunities and in doing so, will tick any number of boxes, in terms of meeting the potential candidate's expectations and 'wish-list'. Referring again to the UK Graduate Careers Survey, KTP meets all of the key priorities graduates seek when applying for a job, so the advert must communicate this! Key messages should include:

• Training and development – study for higher degree, Diploma in Management
• Opportunity to gain ownership – managing strategic projects
• Competitive remuneration, plus £4K budget for training
• KTP is one of Europe's leading graduate recruitment programmes

Word length should be less than 300 and the language should be positive and upbeat, i.e. 'exciting opportunity', 'only the most able graduates need apply' and 'challenging, demanding role'.

In terms of where to advertise, graduates are users of multiple media platforms, so a variety of print and online is recommended. Obviously, working with the Knowledge Base's career department is a good start, as is using the KTP website, and the free 'Monster' and 'Real World' vacancy adverts (available by contacting marketing@ktponline.org.uk). The KTP portal now has a dedicated Careers Service User Group, which has been created to offer individuals within Knowledge Bases the opportunity to share best practice and support each other.

For those difficult to fill roles, it might be that Knowledge Bases have to think more laterally and communicate with their target audience through more direct channels, i.e. trade media, trade bodies and associations, graduate publications.

KTP recruitment takes place all year round, but it might be that the timing of events and graduate fairs are considered more carefully, rather than adopting the traditional month of September as the focus. Marie Morley at the University of Bath, explains:

"One of the things that came up in research I've previously conducted was this phenomenon of 'first bouncers'. This is when new recruits 'bounce' out of their first graduate job, typically around the six-month mark. The good graduate recruiters were ready and waiting to catch them. Given that many of the generic graduate training schemes start in September, the best recruiters beefed up their presence in February/March time as well."

Finally, to support the KTP community to recruit and select the most able Associates, KTP marketing has produced a selection of graduate related material, career packs, case studies, the website, posters and mail outs. For more details, please visit the portal.

Recruiting can be a time-consuming and challenging task, but with the right style, language and format, KTP is able to attract the highly sought-after graduates. For more tips and advice on KTP recruitment, please see the portal.

It is now just over a year ago that around 30 people met in North Star House, Swindon, for the first day of the new Technology Strategy Board. Since then, the Board has grown to around 80 staff with Executive and Governing Boards in place. Its vision is for the UK to be a global leader in innovation.

Development of the Board's strategy began following the appointment of Iain Gray as Chief Executive in November 2007. 'Connect and Catalyse' was published in May 2008, which takes into account the review of innovation by Lord Sainsbury's 'The Race to the Top', the 'Innovation Nation' strategy published by DIUS (our sponsor department), and the BERR strategy document 'Enterprise: Unlocking the UK's Talent'.

'Connect and Catalyse' identifies three areas of investment by the Board as it seeks to lead the innovation agenda across the UK. The first is innovation in response to societal and economic challenges, the second is innovation inspired by the existing and emerging technologies where the UK leads or could lead, and the third is the climate or culture in which innovation can grow.

Innovation challenges
Since the Board was formed, some key application challenges for the UK have been identified where we aim to maintain a world leading position. These are medicines and healthcare, energy and supply, transport, environmental sustainability, built environment, creative industries and high value services.

Technology innovation
A number of key technologies have been identified where there is a strong base. These are advanced materials, biosciences, electronic photonics and electrical systems, nanotechology, high value manufacturing and information and communications technology.

Innovation climate
The key application and technology areas need a variety of levers and mechanisms to stimulate activity across the UK, so more detailed strategies are being developed to set out how the Board will work with all the appropriate organisations and agencies across the UK in response to this. Innovation platforms, themed calls for projects, the KTNs and KTP will contribute to support the key research areas, inform the developing strategy and help transfer the knowledge to business. 

An international strategy is also being developed, as not all the appropriate knowledge resides within the UK.

There are some big challenges ahead, not least the doubling of the number of KTPs, and so we are working with the Research Councils, RDAs and devolved administrations to align our funding in order to make a significant difference in the key areas and the UK innovation capability.  

The full strategy document can be found at www.innovateUK.org

KTP Adviser, John Clayton, reports on engaging with further education (FE) communities within the UK.

In 2005, KTP became available to colleges in England for the first time since the demise of College Business Partnerships in 1999. 

During the next three years, my role was to pilot FE engagement in Cumbria and the North East of England and share lessons learned with colleagues, the wider FE community and Government policy makers. 

The most significant challenges to optimise KTP engagement with the FE community remain the scarcity of academic time due to very heavy teaching loads, and an absence of established KTP Offices or Managers to generate KTP leads and market KTP internally to college academics and externally to the business community.  

Currently, we have 46 FE projects in the UK – the highest number ever – an increase of 30% over the last 12 months, with continued strong performance from the FE sector in Wales and 21 UK colleges, up from 11, now involved in KTP projects.

Significant progress, particularly in England, has been made through a phased engagement approach. Initial or further awareness raising of KTP benefits amongst the college community through workshops and seminars can be embedded by persuading College Principals to appoint KTP champions at college or faculty level to source potential KTP projects from existing business contacts. Momentum is continued by encouraging mentoring of initial college KTP projects by universities with established links to the college Knowledge Base and by encouraging the development of permanent KTP capacity at individual college or college consortia level. This is achieved by the appointment of full time KTP managers or the funding of regional college KTP Offices.

Considerable opportunities exist to achieve the Sainsbury Review (2007) target of doubling the number of KTPs and increasing college engagement over the next three years through:

• Full spectrum mentoring models where universities agree a fee to facilitate the administration, Associate recruitment and finance monitoring of college KTP projects through a formal agreement to oversee an initial portfolio of five projects with a nominated college.

• RDA financial support for the establishment of regional or sub-regional FE KTP Knowledge Transfer Centres that would operate in the same way as university KTP Offices.

• The re-engagement of the newly structured Business Link community as KTP lead generators amongst business.

• Marketing KTP with new college focused material accessed via the KTP portal and targeting potential Associates, College Principals and Academics.

KTP Associate - Anthony Walker

Tree Fella worked with Writtle Agricultural College and Associate, Anthony Walker, to deliver this KTP which aimed to improve and formalise the production of green compost to yield specified value added products. The KTP also aimed to develop green compost and green compost products that have commercial value.

The KTP delivered several key benefits to the company that were deemed greater than the original expectations. As a result, the company is now at the forefront of composting knowledge and expertise. A major achievement was the introduction of a standardised composting system and yard re-organisation which has eliminated ad-hoc practices. In addition, processes were established to comply with PAS standards and the company achieved PAS 100 British Standard of composting as well as the ISO14001 accreditation.

The results are:

• Several innovative products and services introduced
• Expanded contract work with 'green waste kerbside collection'
• New markets established for 'green compost' sales
• Company at the forefront of research into the use of green compost, better positioning competitive advantage

“The KTP has enabled Tree Fella to consolidate some of its existing businesses and also to diversify into new markets. This has resulted in the opportunity to increase the pre-tax profits of the company and, as a result, we have been able to invest in new capital equipment, facilities and staff.”

Carol Steward, Company Supervisor

Daniel Johnson

Qualifications: BSc in Psychology
Current position: Marketing Associate, Microtima Ltd

My KTP with Microtima Ltd and Newcastle College concerned developing and embedding a marketing plan for the company, including the introduction of a scaleable customer relationship management system. Prior to the KTP, the company had no co-ordinated marketing strategy, and lacked knowledge of market trends and the customer decision-making process. The company did have a fantastic technical team designing innovative products for the road traffic industry, but without the understanding of how to communicate its benefits to a rapidly growing but competitive market.

It was my challenge to change the company's perspective from a product to a customer focus. From the outset, I was given full responsibility for all marketing activities; everything from web strategy and PR to distributor rights and return on investment analysis. It was my job to instil a new way of working to senior staff and make recommendations that would have a real effect on Microtima's bottom line.

The project demanded that I learn fast to keep up with the everyday management of the department, combined with the objectives of the plan. I had the expertise of my Academic Supervisor to call upon when I needed and the full support of my MD, who is a past-KTP graduate himself.

There have been many highlights for me, including attending an exhibition in Amsterdam, being published in international trade magazines and making friends with many of the other KTP Associates across the UK. Through the KTP, I have also been given access to great development opportunities and I'm now a member of three professional associations and on my way to Chartered Marketer status.

As a recent graduate, the work I have done through the KTP project has given me experience I would not have gained otherwise at such an early stage in my career. I would have no hesitation in encouraging others to take part in a KTP.

John Swinney, MSP, John Comrie, Tayside Contracts, Councillor Jack Coburn, Tayside Contracts Joint Committee

TAYSET^® - A Greener Shade of Black

Scottish local authority contractor Tayside Contracts is about to launch a new product that will help tackle the maintenance backlog on the nation's roads, boost recycling efforts and bring important environmental savings.

The business case to develop the product was approved in 2005 and the KTP (funded by the Scottish Government and the Technology Strategy Board) was established.

TAYSET^® is a new asphalt paving system which has been developed through a three-year KTP between Tayside Contracts, the University of Dundee and Associate Wayne Fortune, with additional input from specialist bitumen manufacturers Nynas, which operates a Dundee refinery.

This new asphalt paving system is made from recycled construction waste and is capable of producing financial savings of over £6 million per year when compared to traditional asphalts.

In addition, the production process, described as providing a 'greener shade of black', could lead to annual CO₂ savings of 17,160 tonnes – enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool 3,800 times over.

The product is to be launched by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable growth, John Swinney, who said that TAYSET^® offers numerous benefits to Scotland.

“It recycles construction waste, the unique production process emits less carbon and it is cheaper than traditional materials.

“The development of TAYSET^® has been a hugely successful collaboration between our world class universities and industry, and I wish Tayside Contacts success in rolling out this new, more environmentally friendly product,” said Mr Swinney.

Goss Interactive KTP Classified as Outstanding

Plymouth-based Goss Interactive Ltd specialises in the development of world-class content management software and provides website development and hosting services. The KTP, with the University of Plymouth and Associate Rohana Rajapaske, helped the company develop an intelligent classification system for its existing content management products and has been awarded the highest grade of 'Outstanding' by the Technology Strategy Board grading panel for its achievements in exceeding the KTP objectives.

“We excel in delivering true return on investment for our clients as well as ourselves. Our passion for information management and the concept of Intelligent Business, underpinned by our collaboration with the University of Plymouth, reinforces our ability to deliver innovative added value solutions to our clients' requirements.”

Robert McCarthy, Managing Director, Goss Interactive Ltd

Paul Whiteside receives the first Duncan Bryant Memorial prize from Mrs Gaelle Bryant

RSC Award for KTP Associate

Congratulations to KTP Associate, Paul Whiteside, who has recently been awarded the Duncan Bryant Memorial Prize from the Royal Society of Chemistry for young analytical chemists working or studying in the pharmaceutical sector.

The Prize was awarded for the 'best' presentation, taking into account scientific interest, preparation of the lecture and clarity of presentation.

Paul's KTP with Molecular Profiles Limited and the University of Nottingham was to develop and implement a novel method for pharmaceutical and fine chemical material analysis, providing manufacturers with greater product knowledge and control.

KTP Associate Youngest to Receive Chartered Manager Status

Iftkhar Ahmed has become the youngest Chartered Manager as a result of his KTP with the University of Reading and Thames Valley Housing Association Limited. This is a fantastic achievement by Iftkhar, whose excellent work produced a highly successful outcome for the KTP.

The original partnership was to design, develop and implement an asset management system and neighbourhood renewal framework. The departure of the first associate provided the opportunity to review progress and refocus with work, in light of a change in Government emphasis and initiatives towards Neighbourhood Renewal strategies and community involvement.

Iftkhar developed a Neighbourhood Model through consultation with four residential estates and liaison with local authority partners and other stakeholders. Thames Valley Housing Association will use the Model to monitor and assess performance on all estates in the future. With the ability to identify neighbourhood pressure areas and providing the Neighbourhood Strategy with a vigorous analysis tool, the Association will benefit from the provision of improved stock, an enhanced quality of service and relationship with residents, and a greater sense of community.

Launch of Wolverhampton Innovation Awards

Left to right - Graham Wright, Joint Managing Director, Freshway Foods Ltd, John Wood, Chief Executive, Caparo Engineering Ltd, Trudy Bowen, Mayor, Wolverhampton

The University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton City Council have pioneered the promotion of local knowledge transfer activities with the newly created 'Wolverhampton Innovation Award'. This prestigious award was won by Freshway Foods Ltd, the leading sandwich distributor in the West Midlands, as a result of its participation in a KTP.

Through the KTP, Freshway Foods Ltd implemented new product development (NPD) systems and processes based on trends identified through market intelligence. The company has been able to build a database of information relating to product content, nutritional analysis, shelf life and trends. This has not only resulted in an increase of customer satisfaction of 25%, but means that the NPD team now has fast access to key information. An additional database in the NPD function helps to maximise staff efficiency and production economies, and has improved the associated internal infrastructure.

An awards evening was held in March 2008. Three local firms, all participants in the TCS/KTP programmes with the University of Wolverhampton, were invited to attend – Freshway Foods Ltd, Young's Home Brew Limited, a KTP Award winner, and Barton Storage Systems. They each demonstrated how innovation has benefited them in terms of efficiency, productivity and profitability and received certificates as short-listed finalists. 

Freshway Foods Ltd was chosen as the winner by a panel of judges, chaired by John Wood, Chief Executive of Caparo Engineering Ltd.