A HOUSING association has employed a novel approach to selecting new apprentices by putting potential recruits through a series of unusual tasks.

Broadacres, based in Northallerton, recently held events designed to discover more about the 38 young people who were interested in apprenticeships from business support to catering, finance and health and social care.

Over the course of two days candidates were asked to undertake tasks including taking a selfie, drawing something that represents them as person, working as a team to build a tower using spaghetti and jelly beans and answering creative questions in a speed interview – such as which three people they would take to a desert island.

These assessments events are being used as a short-listing process which will end with formal interviews and the offer of six one-year apprenticeships with Broadacres. The apprentices are being provided in partnership with Middlesbrough College.

Sally Baxter, Broadacres’ human resources officer, said: “We could have gone straight to a formal interview but we don’t believe this would have enabled us to really get to know the people who had applied for the apprenticeships.

“Through these more informal assessments events we were able to find out much more about the people who want to work for Broadacres and it gave us an insight into their attitude, character and personality.

“We were also able to identify those with a willingness to learn and who can work as a team.

“Building a tower out of spaghetti and jelly beans may seem strange but what it showed us was the candidates who could work together to solve a problem and do it to a deadline.”

One of the people who took part was 18-year-old Shona Brown, from Northallerton, who said: “The informal nature of the event put everyone at ease and taking part in the activities was lots of fun, but you had to think and come with solutions and answers quickly.”

The six apprentices are expected to start their new positions in January and will attend Middlesbrough College once a week.

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive, said: “Apprentices are supported in their training by experts at the college, who also carry out regular assessments to make sure they are achieving the standards expected.

“Apprentices receive training to develop knowledge, skills and understanding so they fast become valuable members of any workforce and the college team helps companies find the right candidate for the right task.”

The electrical apprenticeship has been named in honour of Joe Allan, a Broadacres employee who died tragically in a car accident earlier this year.