Nearly half of WBL professionals are over-qualified

Almost half of all work-based learning (WBL) sector professionals are over-qualified for their current job, according a survey by recruitment specialists GPRS Recruitment.

The second annual Salary & Benefits Survey, to be published tomorrow, reveals 43% of WBL sector workers were found to be over-qualified for their jobs.

“By no means is this all bad news, as many [employees] are conscious of this, and indeed are comfortable being over-qualified,” said Ruth Whitehouse, a market sector specialist at the group.

“This can often be a ‘win-win’ situation, as those businesses with foresight are striking deals with their employees to nurture their less experienced and mature contemporaries.”

Although it could appear as though businesses are taking advantage of the current difficult job market, Ms Whitehouse believes the results show the value employers see in employing those comfortable in a role they have a lot of experience in.

She adds: “Would you really mind being under-employed on paper, yet benefitting financially from the knowledge and experience you can pass-on to others? This after all sits well with the very nature of training professionals. Smart employers have been quick to work this out and seize the opportunity.”

GPRS, a specialist in permanent staffing for the WBL, Welfare to Work, and Entry 2 Employment sectors, surveyed 6,452 sector professionals between August and October this year.

The survey was originally pioneered by GPRS as a benchmarking exercise for clients that were experiencing difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff.

It also reveals 83% of the sector professionals surveyed do not receive a long service bonus; and 86% believe that some form of profit sharing would considerably increase dedication to their employer.

Some 74% agree that there will be an increase in demand for Welfare to Work and E2E specialists within the next year.

To download the survey, please click here: 

http://www.gprs.uk.com/survey/

Mark Astley