The Extra Mile

As an example of the focus we dedicate to both our clients, whether they are employers looking for staff or an employee looking for a new role, we hope the following shows how Best Talent will always go “the extra mile” in what we do.

Liv and her Mum & Dad asked if I could help her whilst she was still at college regarding her choices on what to do next. She had several options including offers from Universities, a further course at college, or finding an apprenticeship or permanent job. We had numerous meetings and conversations over a 12-month period. She has ended up with a minimum two-year apprenticeship with a brand known worldwide in her chosen field of theatre. See below for her thoughts.

“My parents (separated) suggested using a life coach to help me understand my options following college. I was getting lots of different opinions from friends, piers and family and it was very daunting. I wasn’t sure if I was cut out for University or another option was the best for me.

Mike was extremely supportive in helping me understand what my options were, we explored who I was as a person and my preferred learning styles. The most important thing to me was that Mike was independent to my social and family groups. This alone meant I could be confident he has my best interests at heart.

Mike helped me explore all the options he could see for my further education or a route into an apprenticeship or a permanent position. Together we worked on multiple routes at the same time, concentrating on University UCAS applications. These didn’t come easy to me and Mike gave me the confidence and guidance to create a picture of me that showed my strengths, personality and achievements in the best light.

With Mike’s help I subsequently received two conditional offers to study set and costume design from the two universities I applied to, Arts University Bournemouth and University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s. Arts University

Bournemouth even offered me a place on my personal statement alone, not needing to see my portfolio or an interview. 

I also wanted to explore employment direct into the workplace, further time at college and also an apprenticeship.  

My big problem was following my College course in Art and Design as Set design had been my focus during college, but what did I really want my future to be. Mike suggested exploring the things I liked about theatre and I enrolled on several short courses over the summer of the theatrical world to really find out. I discovered that I didn’t want to be on stage but really enjoyed the thrill of being backstage.

I looked at options as an apprentice at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Mike helped me with my application to give me the best chance of being interviewed and securing a position. I was successful in my application for an interview and Mike helped me prepare answers to interview questions prior to my assessment interview. I was one of only 17 interviewed from 108 applications and following the interview was offered the Position of Stage and Prop Technician Apprentice. 

Without Mike’s industry knowledge, guidance and confidence he showed in me I wouldn’t have secured my dream Job. I will continue to use Mike in all my future career decisions and will be forever grateful.”