Competition for university places is at an all time high but what happens to those who are lucky enough to get on a course once their studies are over? JO HENWOOD discovers that students at University of Chester have a better chance than most of getting a job when they enter the employment market
GRADUATES from the University of Chester are more likely to find suitable employment than those from almost every other university in the region.
According to data published by Unistats, which compares information about the performance of universities and colleges, the university shares top North West billing with Cumbria, with 78% of its employed graduates from 2009 finding graduate level jobs.
Glyndr University in Wrexham achieves the same percentage.
In addition, the annual survey by the Higher Education Statistical Agency (HESA) shows 91.2% of the university’s 2009 graduate cohort entered employment or further study within six months of leaving.
Director of careers and employability, Paul Gaunt, said: “Our graduates are actively supported by careers consultants throughout their time at the institution and beyond, and are encouraged to engage in extra-curricular activities such as volunteering, so they are well prepared for entering the world of work.
“Research has shown that traditionally a high proportion of our students choose to stay in and around Chester after they graduate, as it is such a popular place in which to live and work.”
One successful university initiative is its free Graduate Head Start programme, which applies both to those who have studied at Chester and those who have graduated from other universities, but have returned to the area.
The venture targets recent graduates who are currently unemployed or underemployed, helping them to gain the professional skills and experience to enhance their chances of pursuing their chosen career, and those seeking professional development at work.
The four-day course teaches graduates how to market themselves effectively, how to identify their personal skills and workplace skills and best practice. They receive guidance from a careers consultant and can take up a five week placement with a local employer, taking the internationally-recognised European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) qualification or building an employability portfolio, which builds 20 credits toward a masters degree.
