The Power of Graduate Training Schemes

Back in the days of the Han dynasty, and for centuries after, to successfully become an imperial official, candidates had to go through a gruelling examination system. This system worked fantastically well as a method of identifying the most talented young scholars from across China. After they were selected, these scholars would then develop and progress through the imperial ranks, perhaps even one day advising the emperor himself. This system may now be a relic of China's ancient past, but there are some valuable lessons we could learn from it.

China is currently experiencing a level of growth and development the likes of which we have never before seen. As the world's largest population transitions towards an open market economy, we are confronted by a myriad of opportunities and challenges on a daily basis, at all organisational levels. Local and multinational companies are racing to establish a foothold in the Chinese market and secure their place in what, over the next 25 years, will become the world's largest economy. Ironically, given its 1.3 billion inhabitants, one of the most perplexing challenges facing companies in China is the undersupply of qualified and capable talent to drive this growth into the next decade. Dubbed the ‘War for Talent', HR professionals China-wide are struggling with staff acquisition and retention as employees make excessive demands and job-hop from position to position at unsettling rates. In an effort to uncover some answers to the problematic question of ‘how do I attract and retain the best staff?' I spoke to the managing directors of 4 of China's leading recruitment firms.

Is your organisation flying high as an employer?

If you travel regularly for business, you are probably very familiar with economy class flying. Apart from the food, (about which the less said the better) what else is memorable about travelling economy class? Except for the odd disastrous trip, I am sure your answer is the same as mine, absolutely nothing! Now, there is a lot to be said for non-memorable flying. In fact, the fewer surprises the better. But, why is it that we can travel thousands and thousands of kilometres by air and remember almost nothing about it?

In my last article, I highlighted three techniques to help achieve the very best in our lives and careers: (i) actively seeking feedback, (ii) moving towards change, (iii) visualising change and growth. With great interest I also read the article by David Fox on Strategic Talent Management. David made an interesting comment regarding the term ‘Human Resources', arguing that, "it casts people as commodities much like any other raw material." This certainly raised an interesting point, as people are not commodities. All of us are emotional and sentient beings with the ability to reason, to make choices, and to plan for our futures.