How Toyota GB overhauled their graduate and apprentice assessment processes with Sten10
Replacing outdated exercises with evidence-based, psychologically informed, bespoke assessment centre tasks relevant to Toyota GB.
About the Customer
Toyota GB
Automotive & Manufacturing
Graduate and apprenticeship assessment
Average candidate engagement ratings of 5.48-5.71/6
Background
Toyota GB had been using the same exercises for several years which had started to feel dated. Toyota GB was keen to create an updated and even better experience for assessors and candidates.
Sten10 worked closely with Toyota GB to develop bespoke assessment tasks tailored for graduates and apprentices across various departments, ensuring a uniquely Toyota experience.
The Challenge
Toyota spotted an opportunity in their Emerging Talent recruitment process: their assessment exercises could be more up to date, and even more engaging. They also wanted to reflect the company’s modern focus on innovation and sustainability as well as its community feel.
In a competitive job market, where organisations need to “sell” roles to candidates, Toyota’s exercises fell short. An analysis of candidate data revealed overlaps in tasks intended to measure different competencies, resulting in ineffective evaluation of key behaviours.
Additionally, Toyota’s transition to their new potential model necessitated a cohesive, unified approach across the organisation.
Giving feedback to candidates is really important to Toyota and this was a massive, time-hungry task for assessors. We needed to look for a way to provide candidates with useful feedback while saving time for assessors.
The Solution
Sten10 worked closely with Toyota stakeholders to develop new group exercises, analysis tasks and interview guides that let Toyota talk to candidates about their innovative and sustainable work, and aligned to their new potential model. We also proposed a new feedback process that would save weeks of time for assessors.
The new tasks reflected Toyota’s core goals for sustainability and innovation, integrating the One Toyota Potential model.
Sten10 created multimedia exercises designed to engage all candidates and ensure fair assessment.
Group exercises were cleverly designed to positively include all candidate equally so quieter and more confident candidates could be assessed equivalently.
Incorporated different video “curveballs” in group exercises to challenge candidates’ agility in real-time, making the exercises more engaging and adaptable over time.
Developed an automated feedback guide for assessors, featuring dynamic feedback statements and practical development tips aligned with the descriptors in Toyota’s potential model.
Candidates’ scores from the integration session automatically generated relevant feedback, allowing Toyota to provide timely feedback to all candidates, regardless of outcome. The automated system protected assessors’ time by streamlining the feedback process.
Sten10 provided comprehensive assessor training on the new exercises, and best practise to make sure every assessor could pick up the exercises and be ready-to-go.
The Impact
Quality
The new exercises were designed by experts to support fair assessment for all candidates regardless of background, whilst providing valuable insights into Toyota’s work environment. Candidates appreciated the opportunity to learn and grow, even if they weren’t selected for a role. Detailed feedback was valued for providing insights into strengths and development areas.
Brand Perception
Candidates felt the experience enhanced their perception of Toyota, reinforcing its positive reputation. Being able to reflect the great work that they’re doing, in these exercises was a huge step forwards for Toyota.
Engagement
Candidates across the Emerging Talent assessment centres rated important areas about the assessment centres on a 1 – 6 scale:
“This exercise allowed me to demonstrate my skills and abilities.” → 5.48
“This exercise was engaging.” → 5.59
“This exercise felt relevant for the placement I was being considered for.” → 5.71
The candidates felt that they were able to show off their strengths in interesting exercises that felt relevant to them and Toyota.
Efficiency
The new feedback process Sten10 developed for Toyota saved approximately 1 hour per candidate. This means that every year, across all of the emerging talent assessment centres Sten10 saves weeks of time for Toyota’s assessors.
Let’s build potential, together
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