PLANit Global is an interactive careers information platform for young people and businesses.
Sector : Education, Training & Teaching
Wolverhampton
David Darlaston
I am the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and one of the founders of the company.
PLANit Global is an interactive careers information platform for businesses, education establishment (schools, colleges & universities) and local people. You can explore and learn about local businesses to help you make decisions about your future. Read about what types of businesses are in your local area, what they do, what job roles they offer and what makes them so special!
At PLANit Global, everyone who works here has the same goal in mind - to create a better future for all by connecting businesses, education and people.
12 but we are growing!
We look for individuals with passion and commitment to our business goals. Those who have great organisation and communication skills fit well into the business as we work with people of all ages and abilities.
Sales Executives, Administrators, Software Developers, Creative Managers, Customer Support, Schools Engagement, Finance , Communications and Events
For any of our opportunities, call 01902 824212 or email SalesTeam@planitglobal.co.uk.
Heather Clarke
Communications and Events
Job role: Marketing and Advertising
My job is to raise awareness of PLANit Global with businesses, local education establishments and local communities. I research and identify potential clients, generating, negotiating and closing sales opportunities. I manage the communications for PLANit Global, I write the newsletters for customers and prospective businesses both nationally and internationally. I manage the content across all Social Media channels and develop marketing material to help generate sales leads. I also manage and co-ordinate all PLANit Global business events. I help to co-ordinate exhibition events liaising with schools and external businesses- attending events promoting the business. I write and submit awards on behalf of the business to help build the reputation of PLANit Global. It’s important that I build, maintain and generate effective working relations with the media at local, national and international levels to help generate positive stories that raise the profile and enhance PLANit Global reputation globally.
No, this is not my first job. I have explored several different career paths including: fashion, retail, administration, being a personal assistant and office trainer.
I went through an interview process with the co-founders of PLANit Global.
I love that PLANit Global allows young people to explore local work opportunities available to them. PLANit Global is a family focused company, the team is supportive of its staff members and their lives outside of work, which is refreshing.
PLANit Global offers helpful reading materials and demonstration videos. We also do practice phone sessions selling to other team members to help gain confidence.
They would need to be a people person, confident with an energetic and positive attitude. You need to have excellent communication skills both written and verbal and excellent planning/organising skills. You need to be brave and enthusiastic in approaching new companies.
No, however it is helpful to be qualified in sales, communications or marketing as well as have an understanding in using a computer.
Paul Coxhead
Global Development
Job role: Marketing and Advertising
My role is to work with businesses and investors from overseas to develop the PLANit Global brand and encourage more countries and regions to develop PLANit Global so that the platform becomes as populated as possible with businesses and job roles from around the globe
This was not my first job, I started my working career as an engineering apprentice at NEI Thompson
I was a founder of this business, so I came up with the idea with my business partners and we worked on it and then brought in a team of people to take the idea and develop it and take it to market.
PLANit Global is a business that is striving to inspire and engage the next generation of our workforce and to help them make informed decisions about the careers that they want to follow during their working lives. We get to meet with really interesting people from all over the globe and we get to help shape the future of our most important asset... Our people! What could be better or more fulfilling than that?
I receive various training in my role. For me every day is a school day and I always have something to learn from the many people I meet. As far as formal training is concerned, I look for courses and opportunities that I think will help me to realise my goal of developing the most innovative and engaging careers platform that has been see in the UK and beyond
My role really requires entrepreneurial skills and a flair for finding gaps in current provision which allow us to develop products that can fill them and make what already exists better or more relevant for the groups using them. This means that you have to be a brave individual who is not worried about challenging perceptions and opinions that may be deep rooted. You also need to be flexible and open to criticism (hopefully constructive)
No I do not require any role specific qualifications - just experience!
Gary Vollans
Creative Director
Job role: Creative
I am responsible for the overall design and look of PLANit Global
Graphic Designer at the BBC in Birmingham
The route I took was by going to University to get a Degree in Graphic Design and putting together a portfolio that demonstrated technical and design skills. A Degree is not absolutely vital but the portfolio is!
The people and the product. The people are committed and easy to work with, and the product will give young people information, choices and direction in their future careers.
None at the moment.
Creative design skills, ideas generation, technical skills with Design software. Good communication skills, both speaking and listening. Able to work in teams or independently. Not too sensitive as not everyone will like what you do!
No role specific qualification
Damon Bakker
Software Engineer
Job role: IT
I am mainly working on the planitglobal website you're working on right now. I work with other developers in a team and try to make our product a bit better every development cycle. My job involves sitting behind the computer a lot, but it's quite fun if you're interested in programming. Some planning is also part of my job, we need to allocate our resources wisely so we can deliver new features on time, this is mostly done in discussion with the other team members.
This is my first real Job, but I've done other jobs but they either not related to programming, most of my experience has come from internships.
I did a work placement at PLANit Global. For a duration of 20 weeks I worked for PLANit Global as a developer, working on the first iterations of the platform and learning about the goal PLANit Global had in mind. After the 20 weeks I got offered a job and promotion to lead developer and thus I started my real job at PLANit Global.
The great thing about my job is that the features I built are used by people everyday. Working with a team is also a big part to why this job is so much fun, there is always someone in the office to discuss your ideas with you and converse over interesting topics regarding the website. I love programming things in my free time, so it doesn't really feel like a 'job' as much as some jobs are, so it think it's great.
I generally just train myself through practicing and reading up about new things I don't quite understand yet.
The most important are discipline and a lot of knowledge and staying alerted to new things.You constantly have to keep learning and you need to be a good team-player to be successful.
I do not require any role specific qualifications for my role but you can if you want too. There are some qualifications related to my job role which you feel may help you on your career journey.
Ian Coxhead
Operations Officer
Job role: Management And Executive
My job involves the management of projects and the development of Company policies and procedures to ensure that the business runs smoothly and meets the expectations of all of its stakeholders.
This was not my first job. I spent 31 years working in the police service, finishing my service at the rank of Superintendent.
I was approached by the Company following my retirement from the police service, as I had the skills and abilities that they required to perform the role.
I have the freedom to make decisions and there is a really good team of staff that I work with.
There is training planned for key areas of the business such as data protection, information security and cyber awareness. All of these are areas that I have previously received training in, but are vital to the smooth running of the business.
There is a need for organisation, decision making and attention to detail; along with the ability to work as part of a team.
No I do not require any role specific qualifications to do my job role but you can do qualifications in management which can help.
Scott Barnett
Junior Sales Executive
Job role: Sales
I raise awareness of PLANit Global by attending networking events and creating relationships with potential businesses. Following this, my day to day role consists of calling, emailing and setting up meetings with the people that I have met to see if they want to be a part of the platform.
This is my first contracted job yes. I also work for an events company called Word Of Mouth however this is nights and roughly once a month and so does not conflict with my job at PLANit. Previously I have worked as a waiter at the Mount Hotel and a junior at Heavenly Hairdressers.
I approached PLANit at a careers fair, I then got Paul and Davids details and emailed them regarding a potential interview, they replied and said they were happy to meet with me, after 2 meetings and a weeks work experience I was offered the position as Junior Sales Executive.
I am able to go to different events as I feel necessary. This means I get to engage with a variety of people, which is my main strength. With PLANit I feel as though I am making a difference in helping young people get into the perfect job role for them, and this is a rewarding feeling. Seeing a path of progression through the business is great as it allows me to plan where I would like to be in 2/3 years time and so on.
Sales training, this can be done by people coming into the office and teaching the whole sales team, or going to external events which are aimed at sales people and helping them increase their sales. I am doing an Apprenticeship and therefore receive training from my Apprenticeship provider.
Good communication skills. Being able to listen to others and take on what they are saying, enabling you to alter your sales pitch to suit their needs. Good organisational skills. Being able to put yourself out of your comfort zone.
No there aren't any specific qualifications needed.
Joshua Lloyd-Smith
Game Developer
Job role: IT
I manage the 3D Galaxy application at PLANit Global, as well as helping out with the orbit and very occasionally helping out with the website development. I add new features and maintain existing features in the planit global galaxy application. I use Unity 3D and C# to develop the galaxy and export the galaxy as a webgl project so it can be used on the website.
This was not my first job. I started working for a company called Edlounge when I was 18. I worked there and worked at their sister company Edarcade for 2 years. I left the company and became a self-employed game developer. Working for myself gave me the freedom to work on my own games and projects and work with new/upcoming companies developing their applications/games.
To get my job, I first had two years experience in a previous job. I created a portfolio website and a CV which I submitted to PLANit Global. After a couple of meetings PLANit deemed me to be the right person for the job.
I really like the freedom in being a developer at PLANit. I always get a say in developing new parts of the product and I'm treated like a team member rather than a code monkey. As a developer, I only need to use my laptop for work, so it doesn't matter if I work at home/in office or what hours I choose to work as long as the work is being completed on time!
I did not receive any training for my role. I am mostly self-taught.
General design and development skills are necessary. Knowing at least 1 game engine in depth and knowing the programming language necessary for that game language is vital. Examples include Unity3D and C#, or Unreal Engine and C++.
Not particularly, experience is just as handy. Good GSCEs, A-levels and/or a degree in Computer Science, Game Design and Development or any other relevant field may be very helpful!
David Darlaston
CEO
Job role: Management And Executive
My role is very varied and covers all aspects of the business. with my business partner we are responsible for the overall performance of the business, the strategy and business development. On a day to day basis I talk to businesses to bring them onto our platform and to schools to support their students with employer led careers information. I also look after the finances and governance of the business. I support the global development and have a focus for developing our European operations
No, originally I am a teacher. When I left teaching I had my own business for a few years before going to work for HRH The Prince of Wales looking after the West Midlands region for his Charity Business in the Community.
I had to get a teaching degree (B.Ed) than apply for jobs and attend interviews at schools.
The knowledge that we are making a difference to young people and to businesses. I meet many different people and run a small but talented team here at PLANit Global.
None specifically but I bring my experience from running two regional teams and multi million operations to the business and list of corporate experience with big businesses.
Management skills to manage people and manage different functions (E.g.IT) Important to have a drive and passion for what you do. Be able to translate to the team members to always strive to do the best. Ability to look at the next steps and plan for eventualities.
I don't but it would be helpful to have management experience/qualification or a finance qualification. Really, experience is what you bring to any role and collecting experience in different roles has given me the skills I need for my current role.
Fran Kenwrick
Business Support
Job role: Customer Service
My role is to help the organisations on our platform maximise the benefits of being part of PLANit Global by making sure their profiles are up to date and that they are promoting any live or ongoing work experience, apprenticeship or employment opportunities. Ensuring good content on the website is key to the success of PLANit Global as this is how young people will find out about the variety of jobs and careers that are out there. I also help with events and whatever else may come my way! I spend some of my time in the office but also regularly go out visiting customers and attending events.
No, I like variety and have had several jobs! I worked in my family bakery business as a teenager where I established a good work ethic, then since finishing university (20 years ago!) I've worked in the travel industry, the paper trade, for a national charity and now here at PLANit Global! I've gained useful transferable skills in all these jobs which help me to do my job today, with strong customer service as a running theme. I've also done some volunteering on wildlife projects and with young people, both through work and in my spare time.
I worked for our CEO in a previous job and he alerted me to this position as he knew I was in between jobs and looking for work. I met with him and then some of the other senior members of the company, showing them my CV and describing my previous roles and they agreed to take me on! I've only recently joined the company and as is common practice in any new job I'll be on probation for a few months. If I prove myself to be useful and effective in that time and fit in well with the team they will hopefully keep me on!
It's a relaxed and friendly place to work, yet the team are really focussed, positive, passionate and proud of the work we do. We all share the belief that young people should have better access to information about local careers and jobs. We offer something quite unique to businesses, schools and young people and it's exciting to play a part in that. I get to meet lots of inspirational people and visit exciting places - literally no two days are the same. They also offer flexible working which is really important to me as it allows me to do my other job well which is bringing up my little boy!
I'm learning on the job, which is really the best way to learn a job unless your role requires specialist skills. We all help each other out and if I need to know something I ask a colleague. In previous jobs I've attended short training courses in time management, sales, first aid, safeguarding, working with young people and bid writing.
Good communication skills - both written and verbal Time management - being organised Showing initiative - being pro-active, making decisions Relationship management - building and maintaining good professional relationships with all the people we work with IT literate - I use basic office packages such as outlook, excell, word, internet, social media on a daily basis. A positive can do attitude.
No because the skills needed to do my job are all "soft skills" which are learnt through work experience and just living life rather than learning in a formal sense. If you don't have work experience yet you can develop these skills through volunteering, being involved in clubs relating to your hobbies and interests, taking part in educational programmes and any extra-curricular activities that interest you. It's all about having a positive attitude. I personally learn a lot by observing how other people work, which I then use to generate my own ideas and working style. And remember, you're never too old to learn new things!
Julie Davies
Administrator
Job role: Administration
I keep all sorts of records for the company. I keep financial records and put all the payments we make and monies we receive into the company onto an accounting software programme. I then make sure this matches what the bank statements say. I also make sure everyone gets paid (the right amount!) on payday. This means most of my time is spent sat at a desk and checking that documents and computer records are correct. I also ensure we have the correct policies and guidelines in place to help everyone stay within government rules and regulations when they are doing their jobs. This part of the role involves online research and writing documents that are both up-to-date and useful for the staff.
I worked in a bank when I left school. I then trained as a teacher and taught for 5 years before working in Wolverhampton Arts + Museums service in the Education department.
I was asked to do my present job as I was already doing the same role part-time within another company nearby.
I like making sure that records are kept accurately. Working in an office and with a team of people of all ages is important to me. I couldn't just work from home and not meet lots of people on a daily basis. The people I work with all support each other and knowing that there is someone there to ask if I'm unsure of something, or that I can support in return, is brilliant. Knowing I am a valued member of a team is very important.
As part of a small team I look for training myself and make sure I'm up-to-date with the latest employment laws through things like online courses.
Patience and accuracy.
I am lucky as my employer was able to see that I could do the job without having to check if I had specific qualifications before deciding to employ me. My NVQ Level 3 Line Management qualification that I gained while I was at the Arts+Museum service has been invaluable though. I got this qualification in my spare time whilst working full-time.
Hannah Dixon
Business Development and Events
Job role: Sales
My job includes talking with people and highlighting the benefits of PLANit Global to their business or school. I research local companies and make arrangements to meet with them to see if we can work together. I help the team co-ordinate events and feedback new ideas to the product development team to improve our website/product for our customers and users. I have targets to achieve for the business and find creative ways of sourcing new leads, either via events, networking or LinkedIn.
No this is not my first job, I have previously worked as an Admin Apprentice, Admin Assistant to Directors, Qualification Writer, Compliance Manager and Sales Executive.
I saw a post for a Business Development role on the PLANit Global website, applied and sat an interview with the Co-Founders of PLANit Global.
I like being able to talk and connect professionally with people from all sector areas and geographically locations.
I have received training in being able to sell different products for the organisation and also allowed the opportunity to study Events Management to support my role in attending careers events with Heather.
I think in all sales and business development role, you need to be confident and friendly with people. You need to hold an understanding of what your customers needs are and how you can help them. You also need good communication skills, with great enthusiasm and a desire to meet targets.
No, however it would be useful if you have a sales, marketing or events qualification.
With this work experience you will learn how to communicate with databases using a computer language called SQL. We live in a world which is driven by data and with so much data, we sometimes need a way to search through it. Nearly all businesses will use some form of database. Understanding SQL is a great computer skill for all areas of IT and Computer Science. For this work experience email supportteam@planitglobal.co.uk or call 01902 824212. Please also let us know your year group and the IT/Computing skills you have either learnt at school or college.
You will see what the daily running of a business is like. You will look at the current product, make suggestions for improvements, research for other ideas and put all your findings into a creative video! For this work experience email supportteam@planitglobal.co.uk or call 01902 824 212.
*Support and manage the development team *Discuss the ideas from the team and provide solutions on how we can bring their ideas to life *Set tasks for the team, set a deadline and discuss the task if they have any problems *Create documents explaining what we need, sitting with co-founders in meetings, asking for feedback from businesses or schools and making sure that the development team are on track with deadlines. Email Paul Coxhead on paul@planitglobal.co.uk if interested
We are looking for candidates to join our sales team! JOB ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES: • Generate new sales leads • Raise awareness of PLANit Global with local education establishments • Maintain a professional, business-like relationship with customers by being an excellent face-to-face and phone communicator • Generate, negotiate and close sales opportunities, meeting targets as set by the business • Attend networking events • Raise the profile of PLANit Global within the local business community Send your CV to SalesTeam@planitglobal.co.uk
