The start of the summer saw new graduates clutching their achievements and looking to the future.
But for some, celebrations turned to worry and anxiety in light of a report from the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR).
It reveals that the graduate job market is so saturated that 76 per cent of leading employers are only recruiting applicants with a degree classification of 2:1 or higher.
This is based on a survey of more than 200 of the country's top firms.
Research also shows that each graduate job receives an average of 73 applications – or 150 for the retail sector.
The latest figures from the University of Lincoln reveal that three out of every five of its students from the last academic year walked away with a 2:1 or first-class degree.
But this left 40 per cent of students with a 2:2 or third, placing them seemingly below the cut-off point for most employers. While it may seem that those students who did not quite make the grade will struggle to get a job, the University of Lincoln's career service has hit back at the AGR report.
Advisors are now assuring graduates that there is more to an employable candidate than academic achievement and is urging graduates to focus on work experience.
Spokesman Ian Richards said: "To achieve a first or a 2:1 degree at university takes considerable determination and effort – attributes that employers want to see in job applications.
"However, degree classification is by no means the only benchmark employers look for. They're also looking to see applicants with relevant work experience, good personal skills and the capacity to adapt quickly to new challenges.
"From the very first week at university, we encourage our students to think about what they plan to do after graduation and begin building their CVs.
"Many of our undergraduates complete industry placements and we run a successful graduate internship scheme.
"This helps to equip our graduates with the experience and soft skills employers want to see alongside academic achievements."
Engineering giant Siemens is one of Lincoln's largest employers and each year recruits dozens of graduates for employment and its apprenticeship programmes.
But Paul Birt, human resources director at Siemens, told the Echo that degree classification was not the only mark of a strong candidate.
He said: "Siemens looks for a range of skills and attributes in prospective employees, of which degree class for graduates is one element.
"Employability skills can in some ways be even more important and employers look for certain behaviours and attributes that go beyond the acquisition of A-levels or degrees. Motivation and self-reliance is clearly important, but so is the ability to work in a team.
"Basic numeracy and literacy are a must, of course, and problem solving and decision making are another set of valuable skills.
"Overall, however, it is the whole package of skills, attitudes, behaviours and qualifications that make the decision to hire or not."
Source: Ryan Butcher, Thisislincolnshire.co.uk, Tuesday 31st July 2012
Jobsbody provides a dynamic forum in which businesses can view and connect with graduates.
Tuesday 31 July 2012
Monday 30 July 2012
Shortened LPC will aid transition from Bar to law firm
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has introduced a new policy that will make it easier for graduates to make the transition from a career at the Bar to a career as solicitor.
The accreditation of prior learning will allow those who have passed the Bar professional training course (BPTC) or the Bar vocational course (BVC) to complete a shorter version of the legal practice course (LPC) in order to qualify as solicitors. Barristers must have completed their Bar vocational training within five years of their application for an LPC.
Under the new policy, BPTC and BVC graduates may be granted exemption from attendance and assessment in litigation, advocacy, drafting, and two vocational electives. Each LPC provider will make the decision on whether or not to adopt the changes, and will also make their own decision on whether course fees or lengths will be altered. It’s worth checking each provider’s policy before you apply.
Frances Burton, a barrister and research fellow at London Metropolitan University – one provider of the shortened LPC – said: ‘The new course enables talented students to take a proactive approach to moving their careers in the right direction and bringing the added value of their Bar backgrounds to finding employment on the other side of the profession.’
Good news for lawyers struggling to find pupillage
The aim of the new policy is to alleviate the struggles of those who have qualified as barristers but are struggling to find pupillage or tenancy. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon – in 2010/11, 2,865 applications were made for pupillage but only 446 pupillages were available.
Meanwhile, a recent survey by the Association of Graduate Recruiters found that law firms receive a relatively low number of applications per vacancy at 45:1. Statistics produced by the College of Law also indicate that, because of the reduction in students completing the LPC, there may even be a shortage of candidates to fill training contract vacancies by 2013/14 – qualified barristers could become a hot commodity.
Barristers may also be attracted to the solicitor’s profession because of its guarantee of a more stable income – the average first-year salary at a City law firm is £38,000.
Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Wednesday 25th July 2012
Sunday 29 July 2012
Graduates want a degree of success in job search
When Sophie Elsey proudly put on her cap and gown to pick up her degree in Educational Studies, she was not only marking the end of her university days but planning to bid farewell to her home town as well.
Unlike many graduates who will leave university with no jobs to go to, 22-year-old Sophie plans to spend the next 11 months teaching English in China.
The opportunity came about after she attended a talk at Swansea Metropolitan University, where she was studying.
Sophie, of Home Farm Way, Penllergaer, says she had always wanted to travel after she graduated and was won over by the exciting opportunities she heard about in China.
"The talk was very upbeat and positive and it sounded fantastic," she says."
"I had considered moving away after my degree and working on a cruise ship. But having the opportunity to teach English in a school in China gives me a better chance to learn about the country and the culture.
"It will also be great to put down on my CV, and hopefully it will open more doors for me when I return.
"As I lived at home during my degree, moving away will give me a lot more independence and give me experience living and working outside my comfort zone.
"This will be my first time away from home, so I am a little nervous, but at the same time I am excited about embracing a new challenge."
Sophie is one of thousands from the class of 2012 now striking out for themselves.
Figures out this week show final-year undergraduates at 30 leading universities have made 360,000 job applications by March — 80 per cent more than their counterparts in 2004. More and more are deciding against taking time out to travel, driving down the numbers opting for gap years to their lowest since surveys began 17 years ago.
More than a third of students started researching jobs in their first-year, while 42 per cent made applications almost a year before they are due to start work.
Analysts who conducted the research highlighted a ''new realism'' among students, who are ''fighting hard'' to land prized vacancies.
Martin Birchall, managing director of High Fliers Research, said: ''Our latest research shows just how hard today's university students are working to get a graduate job at the end of their degree.
"While the Class of 2012 may not be any more optimistic about the graduate employment market than their predecessors, those leaving university this summer have taken an especially pro-active approach to the challenges of finding a graduate job.''
The survey shows that just 12 per cent are intending to take a gap year after university — down from 20 per cent a decade ago.
A record 42 per cent of finalists made job applications to graduate employers almost a year before they were due to start work, applying for graduate vacancies in September or October at the very beginning of their final year at university.
That compares with 37 per cent who applied early in 2011, 31 per cent in 2009, 28 per cent in 2006 and 25 per cent in 2001.
The average number of graduate job applications made by finalists also increased, from 5.7 per student in 2010 and 6.8 in 2011, to a record 6.9 applications per student this year.
It means the overall volume of graduate job applications by final-years at the 30 universities has soared from 200,000 in 2004 to 360,000.
Marketing emerged as the most popular profession for graduates, while investment banking also saw a surge in applications.
Expected graduate starting salaries have stalled at an average of £22,600 — the same level recorded in the 2011 survey.
But students expect to be earning an average of £39,900 after five years in work — and a sixth of this year's university leavers believe their salary will have reached £100,000 or more by the age of 30.
Sophie received a class 2:2 in her degree and had to spend 60 hours online learning how to teach before sitting an exam. She will finish her training in Beijing when she flies out on August 9 and then she will be placed in a school in the Hunan province.
"We get paid a monthly salary and have our accommodation paid for us," she says.
"I will be teaching children aged 12 to 15 years, so hopefully they will know a little bit of English.
"China is an opportunity too good to miss and it hopefully will enhance my career opportunities when I get back. I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to my friends and family, especially as I have recently had a niece, so I will miss seeing her grow up."
Sophie was fortunate to have her parents help financially throughout university, and she worked as a waitress at the Porterhouse in Loughor to supplement her studies.
Sophie admits that when she went to university she didn't know what she wanted to do at the end of her studies.
"I always thought about working with children but I didn't have anything in particular that I wanted to do," the former Gorseinon College student says.
"After college it seemed to be a natural progression to go to university.
"I think working out in China will give me more time to decide what I really want to do rather than make any hasty decisions.
"By going to China I will be doing something worthwhile and at the same time I will gain independence.
"There is a lot of pressure on students to finish their degrees and go straight into their chosen career. I want to take a bit of time out, explore the world a little bit and perhaps look into studying a PGC when I get back from China."
Rebecca Morton, 23, from Gorseinon who has just graduated from Exeter with a 2.1 in German and French says that while she had been considering a gap year, that is no longer the case.
She adds: " I know that if I don't get a job in my chosen career as a business consultant quickly, there will be a whole new batch of students coming up behind me very quickly.
" Where once you could afford to take time out, that is no longer the case.
"Now, it is much more about graduating and getting your first foot on the ladder as quickly as possible.''
Source: Thisissouthwales.co.uk, Friday 27th July 2012
Unlike many graduates who will leave university with no jobs to go to, 22-year-old Sophie plans to spend the next 11 months teaching English in China.
The opportunity came about after she attended a talk at Swansea Metropolitan University, where she was studying.
Sophie, of Home Farm Way, Penllergaer, says she had always wanted to travel after she graduated and was won over by the exciting opportunities she heard about in China.
"The talk was very upbeat and positive and it sounded fantastic," she says."
"I had considered moving away after my degree and working on a cruise ship. But having the opportunity to teach English in a school in China gives me a better chance to learn about the country and the culture.
"It will also be great to put down on my CV, and hopefully it will open more doors for me when I return.
"As I lived at home during my degree, moving away will give me a lot more independence and give me experience living and working outside my comfort zone.
"This will be my first time away from home, so I am a little nervous, but at the same time I am excited about embracing a new challenge."
Sophie is one of thousands from the class of 2012 now striking out for themselves.
Figures out this week show final-year undergraduates at 30 leading universities have made 360,000 job applications by March — 80 per cent more than their counterparts in 2004. More and more are deciding against taking time out to travel, driving down the numbers opting for gap years to their lowest since surveys began 17 years ago.
More than a third of students started researching jobs in their first-year, while 42 per cent made applications almost a year before they are due to start work.
Analysts who conducted the research highlighted a ''new realism'' among students, who are ''fighting hard'' to land prized vacancies.
Martin Birchall, managing director of High Fliers Research, said: ''Our latest research shows just how hard today's university students are working to get a graduate job at the end of their degree.
"While the Class of 2012 may not be any more optimistic about the graduate employment market than their predecessors, those leaving university this summer have taken an especially pro-active approach to the challenges of finding a graduate job.''
The survey shows that just 12 per cent are intending to take a gap year after university — down from 20 per cent a decade ago.
A record 42 per cent of finalists made job applications to graduate employers almost a year before they were due to start work, applying for graduate vacancies in September or October at the very beginning of their final year at university.
That compares with 37 per cent who applied early in 2011, 31 per cent in 2009, 28 per cent in 2006 and 25 per cent in 2001.
The average number of graduate job applications made by finalists also increased, from 5.7 per student in 2010 and 6.8 in 2011, to a record 6.9 applications per student this year.
It means the overall volume of graduate job applications by final-years at the 30 universities has soared from 200,000 in 2004 to 360,000.
Marketing emerged as the most popular profession for graduates, while investment banking also saw a surge in applications.
Expected graduate starting salaries have stalled at an average of £22,600 — the same level recorded in the 2011 survey.
But students expect to be earning an average of £39,900 after five years in work — and a sixth of this year's university leavers believe their salary will have reached £100,000 or more by the age of 30.
Sophie received a class 2:2 in her degree and had to spend 60 hours online learning how to teach before sitting an exam. She will finish her training in Beijing when she flies out on August 9 and then she will be placed in a school in the Hunan province.
"We get paid a monthly salary and have our accommodation paid for us," she says.
"I will be teaching children aged 12 to 15 years, so hopefully they will know a little bit of English.
"China is an opportunity too good to miss and it hopefully will enhance my career opportunities when I get back. I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to my friends and family, especially as I have recently had a niece, so I will miss seeing her grow up."
Sophie was fortunate to have her parents help financially throughout university, and she worked as a waitress at the Porterhouse in Loughor to supplement her studies.
Sophie admits that when she went to university she didn't know what she wanted to do at the end of her studies.
"I always thought about working with children but I didn't have anything in particular that I wanted to do," the former Gorseinon College student says.
"After college it seemed to be a natural progression to go to university.
"I think working out in China will give me more time to decide what I really want to do rather than make any hasty decisions.
"By going to China I will be doing something worthwhile and at the same time I will gain independence.
"There is a lot of pressure on students to finish their degrees and go straight into their chosen career. I want to take a bit of time out, explore the world a little bit and perhaps look into studying a PGC when I get back from China."
Rebecca Morton, 23, from Gorseinon who has just graduated from Exeter with a 2.1 in German and French says that while she had been considering a gap year, that is no longer the case.
She adds: " I know that if I don't get a job in my chosen career as a business consultant quickly, there will be a whole new batch of students coming up behind me very quickly.
" Where once you could afford to take time out, that is no longer the case.
"Now, it is much more about graduating and getting your first foot on the ladder as quickly as possible.''
Source: Thisissouthwales.co.uk, Friday 27th July 2012
Saturday 28 July 2012
Scottish graduates being forced to take 'survival jobs'
The Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) report suggested that some graduates are being told to “dumb down” by omitting their degrees altogether from their CVs because they deter employers trying to fill menial positions.
It concluded that many feel “high levels of frustration and disillusionment” that their degrees have been wasted because they cannot secure employment in their chosen field.
According to an accompanying survey of 1,000 graduates, only one per cent said Jobcentres helped them find suitably skilled work and around a quarter said they were unemployed a year after leaving university.
Three-fifths felt they were poorly advised about their career while still at school and more than two-fifths (43 per cent) said their university failed to prepare them for work.
Scotland’s universities dismissed the survey as “completely unrepresentative” and cited official figures showing two-thirds of graduates had a professional or managerial post within six months of leaving higher education.
But the Margaret Lynch, CAS chief executive, said the report disclosed the “stark detail the extent of the crisis that many graduates are facing.”
“Having been told a degree was the key to a successful and prosperous life, and having worked hard and sacrificed a lot to get one, many have become entrenched instead in a culture of unemployment or low wages and short-term contracts,” she said.
“It's heart-rending to read so many accounts of people, once full of hope for the future, who feel their lives are on hold. Some are even questioning whether it was worth the time, money and effort they put into getting their degrees.”
The survey, titled Degrees of Insecurity, discovered around one in ten graduates is still out of work 18 months after leaving university.
One 25-year-old law graduate told the report’s authors: “At the (JobCentre) group meetings we were encouraged to leave any degree off the CV to help us find more plentiful unskilled work.
“Nobody would employ me as a cleaner if I had a degree. I was told to stop looking for graduate work and take a 'survival' job.”
An art history graduate said his degree was considered a “deterrent” to employers, while another with a PhD in art said he was stacking shelves.
A 22-year-old politics graduate said the Jobcentre focused on finding him work in the retail sector because he had worked part-time in shop while studying for his degree.
The report also found that home ownership among younger people has fallen steeply, with around a fifth owning a home compared to at least a third 15 years ago.
CAS predicted this proportion will fall to 12 per cent by 2020. There has been an accompanying increase in youngsters renting from private landlords.
But Alastair Sim, director of Universities Scotland, said: “The survey, and all media coverage to promote it, was deliberately and unashamedly targeted at graduates who have struggled to find work.
“Therefore, it is completely unrepresentative of the graduate population as a whole and paints a far more negative picture than is actually the case.”
He cited official figures showing only seven per cent of graduates are unemployed six months after graduation and their average starting salary is £21,000 per year.
Angela Constance, the SNP’s Youth Employment Minister, last night said Scotland has the highest rate of graduate employment in the UK and ministers are pursuing a range of initiatives to help them.
A DWP spokesman said Jobcentre Plus can graduates help with skills, training and work experience, as well as “tailored support” to find employment.
Source: Simon Johnson, Telegraph.co.uk, Friday 27th July 2012
It concluded that many feel “high levels of frustration and disillusionment” that their degrees have been wasted because they cannot secure employment in their chosen field.
According to an accompanying survey of 1,000 graduates, only one per cent said Jobcentres helped them find suitably skilled work and around a quarter said they were unemployed a year after leaving university.
Three-fifths felt they were poorly advised about their career while still at school and more than two-fifths (43 per cent) said their university failed to prepare them for work.
Scotland’s universities dismissed the survey as “completely unrepresentative” and cited official figures showing two-thirds of graduates had a professional or managerial post within six months of leaving higher education.
But the Margaret Lynch, CAS chief executive, said the report disclosed the “stark detail the extent of the crisis that many graduates are facing.”
“Having been told a degree was the key to a successful and prosperous life, and having worked hard and sacrificed a lot to get one, many have become entrenched instead in a culture of unemployment or low wages and short-term contracts,” she said.
“It's heart-rending to read so many accounts of people, once full of hope for the future, who feel their lives are on hold. Some are even questioning whether it was worth the time, money and effort they put into getting their degrees.”
The survey, titled Degrees of Insecurity, discovered around one in ten graduates is still out of work 18 months after leaving university.
One 25-year-old law graduate told the report’s authors: “At the (JobCentre) group meetings we were encouraged to leave any degree off the CV to help us find more plentiful unskilled work.
“Nobody would employ me as a cleaner if I had a degree. I was told to stop looking for graduate work and take a 'survival' job.”
An art history graduate said his degree was considered a “deterrent” to employers, while another with a PhD in art said he was stacking shelves.
A 22-year-old politics graduate said the Jobcentre focused on finding him work in the retail sector because he had worked part-time in shop while studying for his degree.
The report also found that home ownership among younger people has fallen steeply, with around a fifth owning a home compared to at least a third 15 years ago.
CAS predicted this proportion will fall to 12 per cent by 2020. There has been an accompanying increase in youngsters renting from private landlords.
But Alastair Sim, director of Universities Scotland, said: “The survey, and all media coverage to promote it, was deliberately and unashamedly targeted at graduates who have struggled to find work.
“Therefore, it is completely unrepresentative of the graduate population as a whole and paints a far more negative picture than is actually the case.”
He cited official figures showing only seven per cent of graduates are unemployed six months after graduation and their average starting salary is £21,000 per year.
Angela Constance, the SNP’s Youth Employment Minister, last night said Scotland has the highest rate of graduate employment in the UK and ministers are pursuing a range of initiatives to help them.
A DWP spokesman said Jobcentre Plus can graduates help with skills, training and work experience, as well as “tailored support” to find employment.
Source: Simon Johnson, Telegraph.co.uk, Friday 27th July 2012
Friday 27 July 2012
LIPA graduate starts dream job days after graduation date with Sir Paul McCartney
A rising star from Widnes is well on her way down the road to success after graduating from performing arts academy LIPA last week.
Former dancer Amy Dolan has landed a dream job as a production assistant on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s smash hit Matilda the musical in the West End.
During her three-year BA (Hons) music, theatre and entertainment management degree at the ‘fame’ school set up by Sir Paul McCartney, the 22 year-old, of Glebe Lane, gained valuable work experience with the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
But Amy had to rethink her career after injury put paid to her dancing ambitions.
She said: “If that hadn’t happened I may never have gone down this route and found something that I absolutely love doing.
“I knew I wanted to stay in the industry – I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
“What I loved about the LIPA course is that it was so varied and I was company manager for more or less every show while I was there.”
Sir Paul, 70, led the graduation celebrations last Wednesday, but Amy’s dance prodigy brother Daniel was forced to miss the ceremony because he was performing with the exclusive Bolshoi Ballet Academy in New York.
Around 260 students from the UK and 15 other countries attended the ceremony alongside the music legend to collect their degree and postgraduate certificates.
Sir Paul was accompanied at the graduations for the first time by wife Nancy Shevell, 52, who he married in October last year.
Source: Daniel Mckenzie, Iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk, Thursday 26th July 2012
Former dancer Amy Dolan has landed a dream job as a production assistant on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s smash hit Matilda the musical in the West End.
During her three-year BA (Hons) music, theatre and entertainment management degree at the ‘fame’ school set up by Sir Paul McCartney, the 22 year-old, of Glebe Lane, gained valuable work experience with the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
But Amy had to rethink her career after injury put paid to her dancing ambitions.
She said: “If that hadn’t happened I may never have gone down this route and found something that I absolutely love doing.
“I knew I wanted to stay in the industry – I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
“What I loved about the LIPA course is that it was so varied and I was company manager for more or less every show while I was there.”
Sir Paul, 70, led the graduation celebrations last Wednesday, but Amy’s dance prodigy brother Daniel was forced to miss the ceremony because he was performing with the exclusive Bolshoi Ballet Academy in New York.
Around 260 students from the UK and 15 other countries attended the ceremony alongside the music legend to collect their degree and postgraduate certificates.
Sir Paul was accompanied at the graduations for the first time by wife Nancy Shevell, 52, who he married in October last year.
Source: Daniel Mckenzie, Iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk, Thursday 26th July 2012
Thursday 26 July 2012
Fifth of graduates work part-time as full-time jobs decline
Some 22pc of graduates from the class of 2010/11 were in part-time work six months after graduating, as they entered one of the worst jobs markets young people have seen in a generation.
Almost one in 10 graduates, 9pc, was unemployed, figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency revealed on Thursday. Graduate unemployment is marginally down on the previous year but the figures suggest this is because more students have been forced to accept part-time roles.
The number of graduates entering part-time jobs reached 35,365, out of a total 158,440 graduates in employment, the figures showed. The year before, 20.8pc of graduates were working part-time, down from 21.3pc in 2008/9.
The number of graduates classed as self-employed after university also rose to 5pc in 2010/11, up from 4.4pc the year before. However, industry experts have pointed out that not all those who set up their own businesses do so out of choice, with many doing "odd jobs" like cleaning or decorating to pay the bills.
Those in voluntary or unpaid work also rose by 0.8pc to 4pc over the period in a further sign of the tough UK labour market.
The greatest proportion of graduates (45pc) entered managerial or professional jobs, such as working for law firms or accountants. But those in part-time work were more likely to be in customer services or sales roles, the figures showed.
Of the 224,045 graduates with first, full-time degrees, 158,440 were in employment, although 18,355 of these were combining work with further study.
Some 16pc of graduates went on to do more study, with 9pc unemployed six months after graduating, the figures showed.
Of those graduates who entered employment (including those both working and studying), 69pc were employed in full-time paid work, 22pc were employed part-time, 5pc were self-employed or freelance and 4pc were in voluntary or unpaid work.
In early July, a report from the Association of Graduate Recruiters showed more employers were demanding graduates had first-class degrees to secure an interview, due to the level of competition when applying for graduate jobs.
A combination of too many students, grade inflation and a stalled economy have created a toxic combination for any new graduate seeking paid employment, experts said.
Source: Louisa Peacock, Telegraph.co.uk, Thursday 26th July 2012
Almost one in 10 graduates, 9pc, was unemployed, figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency revealed on Thursday. Graduate unemployment is marginally down on the previous year but the figures suggest this is because more students have been forced to accept part-time roles.
The number of graduates entering part-time jobs reached 35,365, out of a total 158,440 graduates in employment, the figures showed. The year before, 20.8pc of graduates were working part-time, down from 21.3pc in 2008/9.
The number of graduates classed as self-employed after university also rose to 5pc in 2010/11, up from 4.4pc the year before. However, industry experts have pointed out that not all those who set up their own businesses do so out of choice, with many doing "odd jobs" like cleaning or decorating to pay the bills.
Those in voluntary or unpaid work also rose by 0.8pc to 4pc over the period in a further sign of the tough UK labour market.
The greatest proportion of graduates (45pc) entered managerial or professional jobs, such as working for law firms or accountants. But those in part-time work were more likely to be in customer services or sales roles, the figures showed.
Of the 224,045 graduates with first, full-time degrees, 158,440 were in employment, although 18,355 of these were combining work with further study.
Some 16pc of graduates went on to do more study, with 9pc unemployed six months after graduating, the figures showed.
Of those graduates who entered employment (including those both working and studying), 69pc were employed in full-time paid work, 22pc were employed part-time, 5pc were self-employed or freelance and 4pc were in voluntary or unpaid work.
In early July, a report from the Association of Graduate Recruiters showed more employers were demanding graduates had first-class degrees to secure an interview, due to the level of competition when applying for graduate jobs.
A combination of too many students, grade inflation and a stalled economy have created a toxic combination for any new graduate seeking paid employment, experts said.
Source: Louisa Peacock, Telegraph.co.uk, Thursday 26th July 2012
Wednesday 25 July 2012
What is a graduate job in construction really like?
Largely positive reflections of life as a graduate in the construction industry have emerged from the recent TARGETjobs Construction survey.
Graduate civil engineers, quantity surveyors, building surveyors and project managers gave feedback on questions about job satisfaction and the extent to which university prepared them for working life. The main findings of the survey showed that:
- 58% are happy with their working lifestyle.
- 64% see themselves remaining in the construction industry for the long term.
- Only 4% believe their degree did not give them the skills and knowledge necessary for their jobs – although 63% said ‘partly’.
- Work experience is strongly recommended in order to ensure future success.
Respondents were also impressed by the amount of responsibility they were given and the varied nature of the work. Comments included:
- ‘I have much more responsibility than I imagined I would have at this stage in my career.’
- ‘The role is much more varied than expected.’
- ‘The opportunities given to those who asked for them are second to none.’
Not all views were wholly positive, however. The main reasons for discontent were long hours, pay and travel. Comments on these issues included:
- ‘Good team to work with, but long commutes.’
- ‘Long hours, little time for social life – tired in the evening.’
- ‘The high cost of living is not reflected in the salary.’
The survey also provided an insight into the best ways to secure a job in the construction industry, with responses falling into three main areas:
- Work experience is key: ‘Get as much work experience as possible. My site experience greatly improved my general understanding of the industry and was vital in me securing my ideal job.’
- Prepare, research and plan: ‘Research the company you are applying for and do not send out generic CVs / covering letters. They will normally just get thrown away.’
- Stay open minded and flexible: 'Be open minded in considering various roles and opportunities in the current economic downturn.’
The survey collected the views of 56 anonymous graduates from eight different employers in April 2012.
Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Monday 23rd July 2012
Tuesday 24 July 2012
University of Leicester launches innovative employability strategy at inaugural summit
With the graduate job market becoming increasingly competitive, the University of Leicester has launched a new initiative to build upon the excellent work already taking place at the University and make University of Leicester graduates the stand out choice for employers.
Championed by the Director of Careers, former graduate recruiter Bob Athwal, the new vision and strategy was recently presented to senior academics from across the University.
With keynote speeches from Carl Gilleard, CEO of the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR), and leading employability experts from across the UK, the Employability Summit gave members of staff an insight into the current situation in graduate recruitment, and why it is imperative to prepare students for the challenges ahead.
CEO of the AGR, Carl Gilleard said
“I was delighted to be invited to be part of the University’s innovative and forward thinking employability summit. In today’s fast changing and ever demanding world of work, graduates need more than an excellent academic education. In my view Leicester University is adopting an approach to student employability that is well suited to the demands of careers in the 21stcentury.”
Academics and support staff also had an opportunity to put forward their ideas for developing the employability potential of students, and to put questions to a panel of employability experts. These ideas and questions will be used to further develop the vision.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Bob Burgess said
“The Employability Summit successfully brought together people from every department who will work with Careers to implement our innovative employability strategy.”
Over the coming months the Careers Service will be working with departments to develop a series of interventions to develop and support students, and help them to develop their potential to the utmost.
Director of Careers, Bob Athwal said
“The strategy and vision represents the fundamental shift in the approach to employability for the University of Leicester, and will help ensure our graduates are the stand out choice for employers”
The Employability Summit is one of a range of exciting new initiatives being run by the Careers Service, including the highly successful Leicester Award for Employability, in which students undertake extracurricular learning experiences to develop their skills, internships and placement opportunities and the centrepiece Festival of Careers (6th – 9th November 2012).
Consistently ranked in the top 20 universities in the UK, the University of Leicester places a strong emphasis of world class teaching supported by ground breaking research. Recently the University won its sixth consecutive Times Higher Education Award, the first university to do so.
Source: 24dash.com, Monday 23rd July 2012
Monday 23 July 2012
90 jobs on offer for graduates in scheme to help economic recovery
Ninety jobs are available this year to graduates of InterTradeIreland programmes, it was announced yesterday.
At the 2012 InterTradeIreland graduation ceremony in UCD Memorial Hall, Dublin, chief executive, Liam Nellis, also explained that 85% of those who have successfully completed programmes to date have been offered employment with their host companies.
Mr Nellis said this is a testament to the contribution they make to SMEs and confirmed the commitment to bring together graduates, companies and academics from different parts of the Republic and Northern Ireland during these challenging economic times.
"With a substantial increase in the rate of emigration of our young people due to the current economic climate, it is so important that graduate placements such as FUSION and Acumen exist as they can provide an alternative opportunity to local young people who can use their skills to assist in national economic recovery," he added.
Ben Willis from Belfast participated in the FUSION programme and now works for Newry-based company, Media Lightbox, which provides an online file storage, collaboration and file sharing system used by thousands of companies worldwide.
Shane Meehan, managing director of Media Lightbox, said: "Due to the success of the project and the quality of Ben's work, we have secured him as a permanent member of our team."
Source: Amanda Poole, Belfasttelegraph.co.uk, Monday 23rd July 2012
At the 2012 InterTradeIreland graduation ceremony in UCD Memorial Hall, Dublin, chief executive, Liam Nellis, also explained that 85% of those who have successfully completed programmes to date have been offered employment with their host companies.
Mr Nellis said this is a testament to the contribution they make to SMEs and confirmed the commitment to bring together graduates, companies and academics from different parts of the Republic and Northern Ireland during these challenging economic times.
"With a substantial increase in the rate of emigration of our young people due to the current economic climate, it is so important that graduate placements such as FUSION and Acumen exist as they can provide an alternative opportunity to local young people who can use their skills to assist in national economic recovery," he added.
Ben Willis from Belfast participated in the FUSION programme and now works for Newry-based company, Media Lightbox, which provides an online file storage, collaboration and file sharing system used by thousands of companies worldwide.
Shane Meehan, managing director of Media Lightbox, said: "Due to the success of the project and the quality of Ben's work, we have secured him as a permanent member of our team."
Source: Amanda Poole, Belfasttelegraph.co.uk, Monday 23rd July 2012
Sunday 22 July 2012
Positive signs for job seekers as Interserve gets £1bn of new work
The construction company Interserve recently announced that it has a total of £1 billion of new work in the public and private sectors on its order books. This means that Interserve’s trading is expected to remain stable in 2012. This is a positive sign for graduate job seekers entering the construction industry, as the number of new employees a construction company recruits depends on the amount of upcoming work.
Interserve, which largely serves the public sector and employs 50,000 people, has won contracts with clients such as Alder Hey Children’s Trust, the Ministry of Justice and the West Yorkshire Police Authority. It is encouraging that the company has such a strong pipeline of work ahead, as the construction industry has been badly hit by the weak economy and companies with a strong reliance on public sector projects have been further affected by public spending cuts.
Chief Executive of Interserve Adrian Ringrose commented, ‘Interserve is trading well, expanding our already strong client relationships. This is reflected in revenue growth and a healthy future workload.’ As a company Interserve aims to continue building strong core businesses, expanding internationally and capturing new opportunities.
Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Wednesday 18th July 2012
Saturday 21 July 2012
Rein in the nerves: how to deal with job interview stress
Interviews can be the most stressful part of the graduate recruitment cycle. By this point you have already mentally and emotionally invested in the position. While the odds are usually against you – most recruiters interview more than one candidate per position – the prize is worth the strain on your nerves.
With this in mind we have put together a handy guide to the common mistakes made at graduate job interviews, and highlighted the pitfalls.
The calm before
For anyone who is getting pre-interview nerves, there are a number of steps you can take in order to keep occupied, and give yourself a better chance at the same time.
You definitely shouldn’t worry about the interview slot you’ve been given. You might think the first person in will be forgotten, or that the interviewers will be fatigued by the time they get to the last person. Recruiters don’t see it that way. They will only book as many interviews as they can conduct comfortably, and will take detailed notes on your performance.
It is, of course, important to do your research. This is where our Employer Insights come in handy. These neat guides are put together as if a top flight candidate had done all the research they needed to do in order to get a job. Even if the company you are interested in hasn’t been covered yet, you may get a good idea about their competitors.
Here’s a tip; if you want the job, act like it. There are some horror stories out there about candidates who have confidentially told people in the elevator that they didn’t want the job, only to find out that that person was their interviewer. Or candidates who aired their gripes on a publicly accessible twitter feed. If you don’t really want the job, don’t waste everyone’s time applying for it.
Then you get to pick your outfit! Interviewers will look at how you interpret ‘smart dress’, and will be judging whether they would be able to put you in front of their clients. It is also worth thinking about what will make you comfortable. If it’s going to be a hot day, you probably shouldn’t wear a heavy jacket. Of course answering phone calls during your interview, in fact having your phone on at all, is just not worth it.
So, tell us a bit about yourself...
The good news is that interviewers are generally on your side. They understand that you are nervous, particularly in an interview for your first job. Think carefully about what the interview proper is likely to involve. If you have a good idea which questions are likely to come up, you will be more relaxed and comfortable when they do.
For example, most interviews will kick off with something like ‘Tell us about yourself’, or ‘Can you sum up your CV for us?’ This is both an opportunity for you to settle into the interview, and for them to remind themselves about your CV highlights.
Listen to the whole question. This is very important, as many candidates who want to appear smart and switched on will interrupt, and potentially miss the point. Wait for them to stop talking, and let yourself consider your response a little more.
Expect questions about yourself and your skills. We’ve already gone into depth about the hardest questions you’re likely to be asked, and how to give your answers. Don’t panic if you get a question you haven’t prepared. Just relax, take a second, and think carefully. Then be honest.
Another important consideration is to match yourself to the role. Most graduate positions will involve some amount of mundane or administrative work. If you have relevant experience, don’t shy away from mentioning it. It may not be the most exciting stuff, but showing your willingness to engage with routine tasks could be the clincher.
Interviews are a two-way process
What many graduate job hunters don’t realise is that job interviews are as much about you interviewing the company as them interviewing you. Ask an interesting question and you will definitely get an employer’s attention. It shows that you have thought about the company and how it operates, and the job is more than just a job to you.
However, there are some questions which should not be brought up at an interview. Asking about salaries or annual leave is a definite no-no. Any candidate could ask you these questions, so you shouldn’t. More than that, they give the impression money and time off are the only things that interest you in this job. If you are offered the position you can ask about these before you make a commitment.
After the storm
Give yourself something to do immediately after the interview. Whenever I’m going to be in a nerve-racking situation I like to buy a Snickers Duo. I eat half before, and leave half for afterwards. It means I have something to look forward to afterwards, even if everything goes horribly wrong. It worked a fortnight ago when I passed my driving test – just saying’.
Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Thursday 19th July 2012
Friday 20 July 2012
Language skills: way to get a job?
With 48 applications for each graduate job vacancy and 2:1 degrees being handed out faster than free condoms at freshers' fair, it's no surprise that students are throwing themselves into internships and voluntary work.
But given the lack of bilingual English graduates, is learning a language an alternative way to stand out?
Clara, a recent graduate who is now working in marketing, puts her job success down to her degree choice – French. "My language skills definitely made job hunting easier. Being able to speak French is a skill that I have over other graduates and being able to deal with international clients is a boost to my company."
But what about students who are studying different subjects? Given that only 38% of Brits speak a foreign language (compared to 56% of Europeans), it's unlikely there are many polyglots among us.
If you've got enough self-motivation, it is possible brush up your language skills in your spare time. There are plenty of free online resources available, and you could even travel in your holidays to practise conversation skills.
But let's face it, when term gets busy, hobbies drop further down the priority list. Wouldn't it make more sense for universities to allow undergraduates to study optional, foreign language modules as part of their main degree?
The University of Southampton is just one institution that is already doing so. It's helping to facilitate language learning and boost employability by offering courses such as "French for marine scientists" and "German language for engineers".
University is the perfect time to learn a language. Most students have fairly flexible schedules, and universities can offer plenty of support.
You don't need to be fluent in a second-tongue to boost your chances in the job market. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) found that 74% of employers recruit applicants with conversational ability rather than those who are word perfect. They believe this can "help break the ice, deepen cultural understanding, and open business access to new markets."
Deborah Till of the University of Nottingham careers service says language is becoming a top priority for companies. "Increasingly, multinational companies value language skills as an added extra when considering applications." Law firm Eversheds is among those awarding bonus points to applicants with foreign language skills.
Of course, it's not just the business world that values bilingual employees. So why is it that more universities aren't offering flexible degrees?
When £9k fees are introduced, perhaps universities will be forced to look more closely at enhancing students' employment prospects. Language skills are one way to get there.
Source: Settit Beyene, Guardian.co.uk, Thursday 19th July 2012
But given the lack of bilingual English graduates, is learning a language an alternative way to stand out?
Clara, a recent graduate who is now working in marketing, puts her job success down to her degree choice – French. "My language skills definitely made job hunting easier. Being able to speak French is a skill that I have over other graduates and being able to deal with international clients is a boost to my company."
But what about students who are studying different subjects? Given that only 38% of Brits speak a foreign language (compared to 56% of Europeans), it's unlikely there are many polyglots among us.
If you've got enough self-motivation, it is possible brush up your language skills in your spare time. There are plenty of free online resources available, and you could even travel in your holidays to practise conversation skills.
But let's face it, when term gets busy, hobbies drop further down the priority list. Wouldn't it make more sense for universities to allow undergraduates to study optional, foreign language modules as part of their main degree?
The University of Southampton is just one institution that is already doing so. It's helping to facilitate language learning and boost employability by offering courses such as "French for marine scientists" and "German language for engineers".
University is the perfect time to learn a language. Most students have fairly flexible schedules, and universities can offer plenty of support.
You don't need to be fluent in a second-tongue to boost your chances in the job market. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) found that 74% of employers recruit applicants with conversational ability rather than those who are word perfect. They believe this can "help break the ice, deepen cultural understanding, and open business access to new markets."
Deborah Till of the University of Nottingham careers service says language is becoming a top priority for companies. "Increasingly, multinational companies value language skills as an added extra when considering applications." Law firm Eversheds is among those awarding bonus points to applicants with foreign language skills.
Of course, it's not just the business world that values bilingual employees. So why is it that more universities aren't offering flexible degrees?
When £9k fees are introduced, perhaps universities will be forced to look more closely at enhancing students' employment prospects. Language skills are one way to get there.
Source: Settit Beyene, Guardian.co.uk, Thursday 19th July 2012
Thursday 19 July 2012
Graduate bids for a job is first class
A graduate who has failed to find work despite applying for more than 1,000 jobs set up stall outside Bristol Temple Meads railway station in his latest bid to find employment.
Bader Abdel-Razeq, of Hartcliffe, in the city, graduated from the University of Bath last July with a 2:2 degree in mechanical engineering and dreams of working in aviation.
But despite his qualifications and enthusiasm for his subject he has landed just one interview, which proved unsuccessful.
In desperation Mr Abdel-Razeq, 23, decided to stand outside the railway station from 6.30am until 6pm yesterday with a placard bemoaning his situation – hoping commuters may be able to help him find work.
“I had plenty of smiles, people wishing me good luck and a couple of phone numbers to ring but no firm job offers,” said Mr Abdel-Razeq, whose efforts secured an interview for a customer service role.
“I brought down 50 copies of my CV to give out to people who may be interested and gave out about 30.”
Mr Abdel-Razeq said he decided to take action after the routine routes for finding a job bore no fruit.
“I really want to work in aviation but it’s a case of needs must and I will take what is available,” he said. “I have been to companies and recruitment agencies – I have tried everything you can think of to get myself a job.
“I either find myself getting ignored or told I don’t have enough experience. I can only assume it’s down to a combination of the recession and lack of jobs. Now it is a case of desperate measures. Of course I would like a job in engineering but to be honest it has reached the stage where I will have to take what is on offer.
“Like many people I have rent to pay and I have to put food on the table so any job would be good.”
Mr Abdel-Razeq said he has made numerous applications – sometimes submitting 30 or 40 in one day and he searches for work.
He said: “I have applied for roughly 1,000 jobs – sometimes 30 or 40 in one day but failed to find work. I have had just one interview which went well but ultimately I didn’t get the job.
“I believe I have studied hard and have a lot to offer but it’s about being given an opportunity to prove that.”
Mr Abdel-Razeq is from Jordan but moved to the UK in 2005.
He obtained A levels in maths and physics before attending the University of Bath and gaining a degree in mechanical engineering.
On his CV he describes himself as “highly ambitious” with a “passion for engineering that runs deep.”
Trade union Unite yesterday released figures showing long-term unemployment had increased in the last three months, with those out of work for over two years up by 18,000 to 441,000, the worst figure since 1997.
Unite’s general secretary Len McCluskey said: “Tinkering around the edges will not work – a radical Plan B needs to be instituted immediately to break-out of this government-induced recession.”
Source: Southwestbusiness.co.uk, Thursday 19th July 2012
Bader Abdel-Razeq, of Hartcliffe, in the city, graduated from the University of Bath last July with a 2:2 degree in mechanical engineering and dreams of working in aviation.
But despite his qualifications and enthusiasm for his subject he has landed just one interview, which proved unsuccessful.
In desperation Mr Abdel-Razeq, 23, decided to stand outside the railway station from 6.30am until 6pm yesterday with a placard bemoaning his situation – hoping commuters may be able to help him find work.
“I had plenty of smiles, people wishing me good luck and a couple of phone numbers to ring but no firm job offers,” said Mr Abdel-Razeq, whose efforts secured an interview for a customer service role.
“I brought down 50 copies of my CV to give out to people who may be interested and gave out about 30.”
Mr Abdel-Razeq said he decided to take action after the routine routes for finding a job bore no fruit.
“I really want to work in aviation but it’s a case of needs must and I will take what is available,” he said. “I have been to companies and recruitment agencies – I have tried everything you can think of to get myself a job.
“I either find myself getting ignored or told I don’t have enough experience. I can only assume it’s down to a combination of the recession and lack of jobs. Now it is a case of desperate measures. Of course I would like a job in engineering but to be honest it has reached the stage where I will have to take what is on offer.
“Like many people I have rent to pay and I have to put food on the table so any job would be good.”
Mr Abdel-Razeq said he has made numerous applications – sometimes submitting 30 or 40 in one day and he searches for work.
He said: “I have applied for roughly 1,000 jobs – sometimes 30 or 40 in one day but failed to find work. I have had just one interview which went well but ultimately I didn’t get the job.
“I believe I have studied hard and have a lot to offer but it’s about being given an opportunity to prove that.”
Mr Abdel-Razeq is from Jordan but moved to the UK in 2005.
He obtained A levels in maths and physics before attending the University of Bath and gaining a degree in mechanical engineering.
On his CV he describes himself as “highly ambitious” with a “passion for engineering that runs deep.”
Trade union Unite yesterday released figures showing long-term unemployment had increased in the last three months, with those out of work for over two years up by 18,000 to 441,000, the worst figure since 1997.
Unite’s general secretary Len McCluskey said: “Tinkering around the edges will not work – a radical Plan B needs to be instituted immediately to break-out of this government-induced recession.”
Source: Southwestbusiness.co.uk, Thursday 19th July 2012
Wednesday 18 July 2012
Skills boot camp for graduates
Graduates are being offered the opportunity to get "fit" for the jobs market with a two-day employability skills boot camp.
The Career Confidence Graduate Workshop is being run by Plymouth University's Careers and Employability Service and will provide techniques and tips from job search strategies and writing CVs, to tackling the application process and shining in interviews.
Delivered by qualified university advisers and invited speakers, it will also look at career planning and making the most of volunteering, and will feature speakers providing an introduction to starting a business.
The workshop, on July 23 and 24, is open to anyone who has graduated from any university in the past year, or in the past three years from Plymouth, and is free.
Jo Davies, career gateway manager, said: "Although the graduate jobs market is improving, it is still competitive in many sectors. Some graduates are searching for that first step towards their career; or wondering what direction they should take.
"This is a great opportunity to receive guidance, talk to careers professionals, and meet graduates in a similar situation."
Source: Thisisplymouth.co.uk, Wednesday 18th July 2012
The Career Confidence Graduate Workshop is being run by Plymouth University's Careers and Employability Service and will provide techniques and tips from job search strategies and writing CVs, to tackling the application process and shining in interviews.
Delivered by qualified university advisers and invited speakers, it will also look at career planning and making the most of volunteering, and will feature speakers providing an introduction to starting a business.
The workshop, on July 23 and 24, is open to anyone who has graduated from any university in the past year, or in the past three years from Plymouth, and is free.
Jo Davies, career gateway manager, said: "Although the graduate jobs market is improving, it is still competitive in many sectors. Some graduates are searching for that first step towards their career; or wondering what direction they should take.
"This is a great opportunity to receive guidance, talk to careers professionals, and meet graduates in a similar situation."
Source: Thisisplymouth.co.uk, Wednesday 18th July 2012
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Number of graduate jobs increases by 0.9%
Undergraduates who are finishing their courses this year will have a larger pool of graduate jobs to choose from, according to the latest statistics.
According to a report by graduate recruitment research firm High Fliers' there is a 0.9% increase in jobs for graduates in 2012, compared to figures for 2011.
Despite this promising news this increase is still below the 6.4% forecasted by key graduate employers at the start of the year.
340,000 thousand degree holders are expected to enter the graduate talent pool this summer with 52 expected to vie for each graduate job.
Further findings from the data show that there has been an increase in the number of applicants for graduate jobs, with an 11% increase recorded for those bidding for roles with the Times' top 100 graduate employers. This is an increase of 25% compared to three years ago.
The majority of employers are also looking for candidates that hold a minimum of a 2:1 degree, with seven out of ten employers looking for this requirement.
The research also highlighted that while the number of graduate vacancies has risen in several areas, they have fallen in others. The IT and telecommunications sector saw the largest drop in graduate vacancies, falling by 39% while graduate roles in the public sector fell by 20.8%.
Graduate vacancies in the media industry (down by 20%) and the consulting sector (down by 31.4%) have also fallen.
Speaking to Channel 4 news, Martin Birchall, director of High Fliers, said:
"There's been nothing but bad news over the last six months and the fear was that employers would cut back," he told Channel 4 News. "The report reflects how employers feel over the next couple of years, and it means they are reasonably confident about how things might be in a year or two."
Source: Gradplus.com, Wednesday 4th July 2012
According to a report by graduate recruitment research firm High Fliers' there is a 0.9% increase in jobs for graduates in 2012, compared to figures for 2011.
Despite this promising news this increase is still below the 6.4% forecasted by key graduate employers at the start of the year.
340,000 thousand degree holders are expected to enter the graduate talent pool this summer with 52 expected to vie for each graduate job.
Further findings from the data show that there has been an increase in the number of applicants for graduate jobs, with an 11% increase recorded for those bidding for roles with the Times' top 100 graduate employers. This is an increase of 25% compared to three years ago.
The majority of employers are also looking for candidates that hold a minimum of a 2:1 degree, with seven out of ten employers looking for this requirement.
The research also highlighted that while the number of graduate vacancies has risen in several areas, they have fallen in others. The IT and telecommunications sector saw the largest drop in graduate vacancies, falling by 39% while graduate roles in the public sector fell by 20.8%.
Graduate vacancies in the media industry (down by 20%) and the consulting sector (down by 31.4%) have also fallen.
Speaking to Channel 4 news, Martin Birchall, director of High Fliers, said:
"There's been nothing but bad news over the last six months and the fear was that employers would cut back," he told Channel 4 News. "The report reflects how employers feel over the next couple of years, and it means they are reasonably confident about how things might be in a year or two."
Source: Gradplus.com, Wednesday 4th July 2012
Monday 16 July 2012
More than nine in ten 2011 graduates in work six months after graduation
Recent graduates worrying about their employment prospects should take heart from figures released last week by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), which revealed that 90.3% of UK students who completed full-time first degrees last summer were in work or further study six months after graduation.
This statistic masks significant variations in employment rates for graduates from different institutions. At the top end of the scale, all of last year’s graduates from the Institute of Education and 99% of graduates from the School of Pharmacy were in work or further study.
However, at some institutions, the proportion of students not in work or study six months after leaving higher education was much higher than the average, at around a fifth of graduates. This was the case for of London South Bank University (21.9%), East London University (20.6%) and Bolton University (21.2%).
The overall UK youth unemployment rate was 21.9% between February and April 2012, according to the Office for National Statistics. This is approximately double the proportion of 2011’s university leavers not in employment or study six months after graduation.
Professor Patrick McGhee, chair of the million+ organisation which represents many newer universities, commented, ‘It’s clear that at a time of high unemployment studying for a degree is still a very good way of getting a job.’
A number of new universities had a very high proportion of graduates in work or study, including Arts University College Bournemouth (97.7%), Robert Gordon University (97.1%) and the University of Northampton (96.6%).
Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Tuesday 10th July 2012
This statistic masks significant variations in employment rates for graduates from different institutions. At the top end of the scale, all of last year’s graduates from the Institute of Education and 99% of graduates from the School of Pharmacy were in work or further study.
However, at some institutions, the proportion of students not in work or study six months after leaving higher education was much higher than the average, at around a fifth of graduates. This was the case for of London South Bank University (21.9%), East London University (20.6%) and Bolton University (21.2%).
The overall UK youth unemployment rate was 21.9% between February and April 2012, according to the Office for National Statistics. This is approximately double the proportion of 2011’s university leavers not in employment or study six months after graduation.
Professor Patrick McGhee, chair of the million+ organisation which represents many newer universities, commented, ‘It’s clear that at a time of high unemployment studying for a degree is still a very good way of getting a job.’
A number of new universities had a very high proportion of graduates in work or study, including Arts University College Bournemouth (97.7%), Robert Gordon University (97.1%) and the University of Northampton (96.6%).
Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Tuesday 10th July 2012
Sunday 15 July 2012
Big construction companies predict 3.2% starting salary rise
Leading construction companies are predicting a rise of 3.2% to £24,000 in their graduate salaries for the 2011–2012 recruitment season, according to the AGR Summer Review. The AGR (Association of Graduate Recruiters) surveyed its members in May this year, asking them what starting salaries they expected to be offer in this recruitment cycle. (As the data were collected before the end of the cycle, they are treated as predictions.)
AGR members are typically big, blue-chip companies. Members from the construction industry include Amey, Atkins, BAM Construct, Costain, EC Harris, Lend Lease, Mace and Wates. As such, AGR salaries shouldn’t be viewed as representative of the whole construction industry. However, it’s still a welcome piece of good news for the sector.
Across other employment sectors, salaries were predicted either to remain flat or to rise by between 1.0% (IT/telecoms companies) and 10.9% (consulting or business services firms).
Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Thursday 12th July 2012
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