Unique session sees students complete psychometric test

Collyer's recently welcomed two guests to the college to run a session focusing on psychometric testing.
Tim John, Emily Darnell, Ed Pirie, Nick Broom, Jack Manger, Amy Bishop and  Maddy Dunn SUS-180221-110930001Tim John, Emily Darnell, Ed Pirie, Nick Broom, Jack Manger, Amy Bishop and  Maddy Dunn SUS-180221-110930001
Tim John, Emily Darnell, Ed Pirie, Nick Broom, Jack Manger, Amy Bishop and Maddy Dunn SUS-180221-110930001

Nick Broom, the CEO of PVL - who have been saving lives on the roads since 1999 as the world’s leading company creating high visibility markings for emergency service, highways and security vehicles - was welcomed to Collyer’s alongside his executive assistant Emily Darnell.

Several weeks ago, students, deputy principal Steve Martell and employability co-ordinator Lucy Hargreaves completed a psychometric test, which is often used in the recruitment process to allow employers to assess your intelligence, skills and personality, managed by PVL.

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Nick and Emily from PVL were then able to join the college to explain the results and present everyone with a personal analysis report.

Collyer’s student Dan Goodyer, who studies employability alongside his academic subjects, found the session fascinating: “The session gave us a unique insight into how psychometric testing works and how it is used by employers to assist with selection and recruitment. We also got the chance to learn about ourselves.”

Sophie Childs, who also studies employability, added: “The whole experience will be really useful when we apply for jobs. We all thought Nick and Emily were amazing.”

Lucy Hargreaves said: “The session has had a really positive impact on the careers and progression programme offered at our college. What better way for our students to learn about psychometric testing than to actually complete a psychometric test and have it evaluated by experts.”

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During a lively morning the students were also given the opportunity to take part in a Q&A about psychometric testing and staff recruitment in general.

Deputy principal Steve Martell, who teaches employability at Collyer’s, said: “We are massively grateful to PVL’s Nick Broom and Emily Darnell for creating this great opportunity and enabling our students to actively learn about psychometric testing.

“PVL have been huge supporters of Collyer’s Employability initiative. They have inspired our talented students and genuinely care about the next generation coming through.”

The innovative employability programme at Collyer’s started in September and has been uniquely designed by the college to help students into the world of work with the help of taught sessions, workshops, trips and a host of inspiring special guests.

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Ian McAlister, director of higher education and progression at Collyer’s, said: “The college’s numerous progression activities have included guest speakers, NG2U (Not Going to Uni) evenings, mock interviews, employability skills workshops, and a host of other events in conjunction with key national, regional and local partner organisations.

“The psychometric testing session is a first for Collyer’s and something we hope to continue as a hugely important and key part of our busy programme.”

Lucy Hargreaves added: “It was incredibly kind of Nick and Emily to give up so much of their valuable time to facilitate this unique experience.”