The Challenge
Leviat required support in hiring degree-qualified Architectural Graduates for its graduate development programme.
With over 3,000 employees globally and a UK design function consisting of more than 50 designers, this is a key area of the business. Hiring the wrong individuals can create bottlenecks, impact project delivery and delay customer commitments.
Successful candidates needed to possess a strong academic background and demonstrate the capability to support in areas including:
- Producing detailed CAD drawings and designs for structural construction products using TEKLA and Autodesk Inventor
- Preparing general arrangement drawings, schedules and technical documentation for approval and manufacture
- Liaising with internal design, engineering and production teams to ensure coordinated project delivery
- Assisting with technical queries and providing design support across live projects
The challenge was not attracting graduates – it was identifying and securing individuals with the aptitude to learn, develop and thrive within a highly technical design environment, whilst also demonstrating commercial awareness, professionalism and strong communication skills.
EnquireWhy Traditional Recruitment Was Not Working
Leviat had experienced difficulties attracting suitable candidates within a commutable distance of the office and advised that previous interviews had involved graduates travelling in excess of an hour each way.
For development roles such as these, hiring candidates who are unlikely to remain with the business long term represents a significant risk, particularly when it can take between six and twelve months before an employer begins to see a return on its investment.
The company had advertisements running on Indeed. Whilst job boards can generate applications, they only provide access to a relatively small percentage of the graduate talent available in the market.
The EMT Talent Approach
We mapped the local graduate market and identified a number of suitable candidates within a few days.
Rather than relying on job advertisements, we proactively introduced the opportunity to graduates already registered with us, alongside additional candidates identified through targeted sourcing.
This was not simply a case of selling a vacancy. It involved taking the time to explain the long-term career prospects available, the quality of training on offer, and the opportunity to join a globally recognised engineering business where they could build a genuine career.
Throughout the process, we worked closely with the Design Manager, who commented:
" I just wish we'd known about you a few months ago."
The Outcome
Leviat interviewed four graduates from EMT Talent's shortlist and has made two appointments, with additional candidates progressing through the recruitment process for additional open roles.
Rather than taking a chance on "just anyone", the business has been able to carefully select graduates who align with the academic background, personality, locality and personal attributes most likely to succeed within the team.
The relationship continues to develop and is expected to become an ongoing partnership as Leviat invests further in its graduate talent pipeline.
Final Impact
This project demonstrates EMT Talent's ability to secure high-potential graduate professionals within technical design environments, where strong academic foundations, a willingness to learn and long-term cultural alignment are critical to success.
If you're hiring...
If you're hiring for graduate, junior CAD design or senior design positions - where potential and cultural fit are equally as important as experience, we'd be happy to discuss your requirements.
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