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Rail Professional Magazine (October 2023) Article: Driving diversity in bus apprenticeship recruitment

Posted on 13th October 2023

In a recently published article in Rail Professional Magazine, the OPC, shares work about a diversity and inclusion project working for Bus Éireann (BE) to help redesign their recruitment process for Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanics (AHVM).  

Bus Éireann had some key strategic recruitment goals that they wanted to address through the redesign. In particular to:

  • Address the underrepresentation of women in particular roles
  • Improve diversity across the workforce
  • Attract more women into careers at BE and Dublin Bus; and
  • Attract more apprentices from underrepresented groups. 

A key consideration in the recruitment process redesign was a reduction in entry-level educational requirements, replacing them with SOLAS equivalent certification. 

Working alongside job experts from the garages and existing apprentices, OPC psychologists helped develop a new apprentice role profile, a new assessment tool matrix using OPC Assessment's Core Skills Series, and a bespoke Situational Judgement Test (SJT).

To help drive inclusivity and support candidates from diverse backgrounds, the new process included practice materials to acquaint candidates with tests up front. New job-relevant practical exercises were specifically developed, giving candidates a hands-on opportunity to show practical skills, and an interview preparation form supported candidates to think ahead and give ‘the best of themselves’ on the day.  

Overseeing the digital selection stages of the process meant the OPC was able to review and analyse candidate compliance of online tests, drop-off rates, and follow-on attendance at interviews. The analysis provided some interesting reflections on candidate commitment and correlations between candidate performance and success through the process. 

Candidate experience research was also undertaken as part of the project. It gave insights into how candidates felt about different aspects of the process, including the assessment tools used and the support materials available.

“I loved the interview preparation section. It gave me great insight into what apprentices are like and what I might be one day”

Candidate feedback

You can read the article in full here. 

Contact the friendly team at the OPC to see how they can help you achieve your recruitment goals.

The OPC, One Wellstones, Watford, WD17 2AE
Tel 01923 234 646
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