Putting Students to Work

As APA Director-General, I have today supported claims by CBI DG, Richard Lambert, suggesting that it is even more important during the recession that students gain vital employability skills and experience of the workplace while at university, so they are better equipped to compete in the increasingly tough jobs market after graduation.

I feel that APA members can do much to influence the use of university students in business on practical assignments and projects that will enhance their knowledge and greatly assist the business. I have often used students myself to tackle project that are under early consideration and benefit from the collective brain power of a group of young, trained thinkers. It has always proven to be a valuable investment of my time and I have also found many good future employees to develop ahead of them starting.

The CBI, with Universities UK, will launch its report, ‘Future Fit: Preparing graduates for the world of work’, which highlights the importance employers place on ‘employability’ skills – such as self-management, team-working, customer awareness and problem solving – when recruiting graduates. This is targeted to ensure students understand the realities of the workplace.

CBI will also encourage more employers to offer work placements and internships to undergraduates, and Richard says ““Of course businesses don’t expect graduates to arrive on day one fully trained, but what they do value in graduates are their people skills, a focus on the customer and a keenness to solve problems. It’s no good graduates regretting not taking up opportunities once they leave university."

Please let APA know if you already do this or would like us to help you identify possible opportunities where you can engage with local universities to offer experience to students and benefit from the association.

Gareth