Employability Skills What more can we do

1. Employability SkillsWhat more can we do? Laura Barkaway Lena Sarfo Employability Team

2. Where are we now? 2007/08 Destination of Leavers of Higher Education (DHLE) Overall 81.8% were in work or further study 64.5% in work were in graduate level roles All schools except one have increased levels of unemployment since last survey, but� �UEL�s unemployment rate for post-graduates (4.5%) is better than the UK average (8.4%)

3. Where are we now? 2007/08 Destination of Leavers of Higher Education (DHLE) Overall 81.8% were in work or further study 64.5% in work were in graduate level roles All schools except one have increased levels of unemployment since last survey UEL�s unemployment rate for post-graduates (4.5%) is better than the UK average (8.4%)

4. What do employers look for? Verbal communication skills Enthusiasm Work experience Written communication skills Higgins, N & Pettifor, C (2004) From Learning to Earning, Trotman, Surrey Problem solving Teamwork Interpersonal skills Degree classification Numeracy Business awareness

5. Employers� Focus Group Punctual Presentation Commitment Enthusiasm Skills Team working Workplace etiquette Experience paid or unpaid Awareness of organisation

6. Practical Points CV/application forms Literacy skills Interview skills � body language, tone of voice and eye contact Research organisation � awareness of culture and ethos

7. Key Lessons The development of employability skills should be a core part of a student�s university experience Credits towards a student�s degree from participation in work related learning Awarding participation in additional programmes to raise the profile of employability-related programmes. (source: CBI Future Fit preparing graduates for the world of work)

8. Case Studies University of Surrey 70% participation in professional training at the third year of a four year course Academic Staff involved in building employer relationships and in monitoring work placements during the year Liverpool John Moores University Employer � verified world work Use a dedicated resource to build long-term relationships with employers, including establishing employer advisory groups who can input directly on curriculum. Regular feedback from students, former students/alumni, business and university staff on how well the university is fostering employability skills in its students Give the work involving on employability skills a distinctive brand, to ensure maximum recognition by students and staff and to avoid confusion with job-hunting skills Reward students who make an effort to acquire employability skills � through academic credits, an award, certificate or other incentive Use a dedicated resource to build long-term relationships with employers, including establishing employer advisory groups who can input directly on curriculum. Regular feedback from students, former students/alumni, business and university staff on how well the university is fostering employability skills in its students Give the work involving on employability skills a distinctive brand, to ensure maximum recognition by students and staff and to avoid confusion with job-hunting skills Reward students who make an effort to acquire employability skills � through academic credits, an award, certificate or other incentive

9. Case Studies University of Exeter Use of incentives Career Development Award University of Hertfordshire University Staff assisting in the recruitment and selection of students for employers Use a dedicated resource to build long-term relationships with employers, including establishing employer advisory groups who can input directly on curriculum. Regular feedback from students, former students/alumni, business and university staff on how well the university is fostering employability skills in its students Give the work involving on employability skills a distinctive brand, to ensure maximum recognition by students and staff and to avoid confusion with job-hunting skills Reward students who make an effort to acquire employability skills � through academic credits, an award, certificate or other incentive Use a dedicated resource to build long-term relationships with employers, including establishing employer advisory groups who can input directly on curriculum. Regular feedback from students, former students/alumni, business and university staff on how well the university is fostering employability skills in its students Give the work involving on employability skills a distinctive brand, to ensure maximum recognition by students and staff and to avoid confusion with job-hunting skills Reward students who make an effort to acquire employability skills � through academic credits, an award, certificate or other incentive

10. What does the Employability Team do to help? CV/application forms/careers advice Mock interviews Volunteering and mentoring Mock-Assessment Centres Summer Placements