Graduate Challenge

Professor Stephen Hill

Dean of Teaching and Learning Innovation

What is Graduate Challenge?

• Places Gloucestershire-based graduates into Gloucestershire-based businesses to deliver 4 month placement projects.

• Funded by HEFCE Economic Challenge Innovation Fund (ECIF)

• Supports graduates to gain experience and skills in the current economic downturn.

• Delivered by UoG, in partnership with Gloucestershire First

• 7 cohorts from July 2009 to November 2010• Graduates gain credit at Master’s level

Target numbers

• 120 graduates successfully completing projects

• 80 graduates achieving Masters level Certificate in Professional Development

• 80 graduates progressing into further learning or employment opportunities

Progress so far

• 3 cohorts have been recruited

• Cohort 3 will commence placements on 25 November

• 53 graduates working in 49 businesses across the county

• Still not halfway through the project, but – 48% of target number of placements achieved

– 60% of target number of companies with placements

• Most-visited-ever advert on GlosJobs

Examples of projects

Finance Financial analysisCosting and budgetingFinance management

Human resources HR process developmentStaff development and trainingRecruitment and selection

Information technology

DesignDatabase developmentWeb developmentProgramme development

Law PracticeLaw in business

Marketing & Strategy Strategic marketing reviewProduct managementMarketing communicationsNew mediaEvent marketing

Science Environmental reviewSport and health development

Engineering Construction management

See the Graduate Challenge website at www.graduatechallenge.co.uk

Evolutionsbrand new business offering specialist, bespoke interview training to graduates and young adults seeking to enter the job market as well as another course for sixth formers seeking university placements or jobs.

"I have benefited greatly from seeing a company being built from the ground up. I have improved my communication skills, time keeping and built on my range of technical skills. I also believe that I have increased my adaptability, by trying my hand at any task requested. I feel that I have benefited greatly from working at Evolutions.“

James Penman, Graduate Challenge graduate

 Vintcent & Companyproject: scope and refine all our company research and tax refund claims processes with the planning and development of a new integrated database and management reporting system.

"A fantastic opportunity to gain much needed work experience, which in conjunction with a degree, makes you ultimately more employable and more attractive to potential employers.“

Louise Bennett, Graduate Challenge graduate

The learning element

• All graduates take part in the compulsory learning element which give them 15 credits at masters level. This module is focused on learning from experience on the job and aims to support their future career development and career choices.

• There is an additional optional learning element for which the graduates pay a nominal fee.

• The Post Graduate Certificate in Personal and Professional Development is achieved through completion of both modules.

 

Benefits For the graduate • experience of working in an organisation delivering a live project• Enhanced CV• £100 per week training allowance

For the company partner• capable, subject-specific resource to deliver a company project• zero salary cost• no HR issues whatsoever as all payments and personal support for the

graduates are provided by UoG.

For the University• new relationships developed with business • enhanced relationship with Gloucestershire First• potential follow-on opportunities such as KTPs• opportunities for staff to act as mentors• valuable insights into employer engagement