Middlesex University students offered public sector mentoring

Middlesex University has launched a pilot study which will see students receive mentoring from senior public sector workers.

The university worked in partnership with First Division Association (FDA) to set up the Public Sector Mentoring Scheme which aims to boost students’ chances of landing graduate jobs.

The scheme will offer one-to-one support for up to 60 people who have an interest in pursuing a career in the public sector, from the Civil Service to the NHS.

A mock assessment centre will be set up where students will carry out exercises to help prepare them for the application process used in many graduate schemes.

Julie Haddock-Millar, the university’s project leader and human resources development lecturer, said: “This will give our students a better understanding of what skills they need for work and provide valuable advice in securing a top job.”

Chris Park is helping lead the work for the FDA, the union representing the UK’s senior public servants.

She said: “It is important to us that senior public servants, our members, are as representative of the communities they serve as possible. This initiative will contribute to that aim.”

Source: Natalie O'Neill, Times-series.co.uk, Sunday 9th October 2011