The Dragon’s Apprentice 

Head Resourcing acted for Edinburgh-based entrepreneur Shaf Rasul when he launched his apprentice scheme in early 2010.

The initiative was launched in response to figures which showed that youth unemployment in the UK approached one million at the end of 2009.

On offer was the chance for four young people to be shaped and mentored by Rasul and his senior management team during a year-long apprenticeship program.

The IT and property entrepreneur is one of Scotland’s most forward-thinking business leaders and features in an online version of the BBC’s Dragons Den.

Head Resourcing worked with Rasul to develop an ideal candidate profile for the rigorous assessment process.

Managing Consultant Neil Irvine said:

“The job description was very open because we wanted to attract a group of diverse candidates from different backgrounds. We maintained a very open minded approach during the selection process and gave everyone an initial interview before they progressed on to the assessment day.”

The top 50 candidates were selected to undergo a two-day, high-pressure interview process involving psychometric and team-orientated tasks as well as one-to-one interviews and presentations with Rasul, his senior management team and Head Resourcing.

Irvine said: “The assessments brought people out of their comfort zone and identified the leaders and decision makers of the group. We were looking for people who had confidence and entrepreneurial flair as well as those who possessed high-levels of self determination and the will to succeed in challenging situations.”

William Wallace secured one of the four apprenticeships.

He said: “After an initial interview with Head Resourcing I progressed onto the assessment days which tested my problem solving and team building skills. Both days were very demanding but I knew I had been given a chance to prove my potential.

“It was great to have support from Head Resourcing. They took the time to advise us during each stage of the process. This advice was incredibly valuable and helped me to secure my place as one of Shaf’s apprentices.”