In what ways will my career progression be supported?

Speaking from experience, if you want to develop at First Central - there are so many opportunities to do so. First of all, our culture is all about collaboration. So if there is a project you are interested in getting involved in, it is as simple as just asking. We are also about to launch a process called 'Gigs' where projects are opened out to everyone in the business and you feel you have an interest or skill to offer the group you can apply to be involved!

Secondly, our L&D offering is fantastic. The team run an amazing suite of training opportunities such as our ALP scheme (Aspiring Leadership Programme), which supports colleagues developing to their leadership potential. We also offer mentoring, funding for external courses and a huge range internal e-learning. They also run Leadership Lounges whereby the leaders in our business share their career progression stories, offering advice and guidance to anyone who is interested in development.

Finally, from a Diversity and Inclusion perspective, we are also looking at new and innovative ways to review career progression, making sure all barriers to opportunities are removed. This involves reviewing our promotion and L&D data regularly, to ensure there are no trends impacting our colleagues.

I have had two internal promotions since starting with First Central, both of which involved stepping into something completely new. Providing you have the enthusiasm to learn and grow, the opportunities for your development will be there!

Adding to what Ali has (rightfully) already said, we are also keen supporters of Apprenticeships here at First Central, and often use these as a tool to upskilling our colleagues. This can either be within current roles, where gaining relevant qualifications will help people to excel, when progressing into more senior roles, or even when moving sideways into different areas of the business. We're also currently looking at how we might be able to use Apprenticeships (or other development courses) to compliment secondments and return to work schemes!