Making Graduates More Employable

We passionately believe that college and university graduates trained in employability skills are more attractive to employ and make better employees.

So do Employers.
 

Employers, further education college students and university undergraduates agree, the most important factors considered when recruiting graduates are:-

 

  • Employability (business and soft) skills
  • A positive “can-do” attitude
  • Relevant work experience.

 

However, everyday new surveys show that young people / graduates are poorly prepared with employability skills as they enter the world of work and embark upon their careers. 

 

“The British Chambers of Commerce survey of 3,000 firms found nine out of 10 thought school leavers were not ready for employment, and more than half said it was the same with graduates.”  (BBC: Young people lack workplace skills, firms say in survey – 2nd Oct 2014)

 

By employability skills we mean:-

 

  • Business & Customer awareness
  • Self-awareness
  • Self-management
  • Communications & Literacy
  • Problem solving
  • Team working
  • Numeracy & IT skills.

 

It stands to reason that the better equipped graduates are with employability skills before they start their first job after graduating, or during their first couple of years in employment, then the stronger foundation they have to continue building and developing their business skills as they progress and are promoted through their early years in employment.
 

That’s why we are working with Employers, FE Colleges and Universities to give young people the best possible employability skills training, and help them build a great future!

 

Our business and soft skills development training programmes include:-

 

  • GradStart™         – for employees of UK businesses – small, medium and large
  • BestStart™          – for students at Further Education College (FEC)
  • HeadStart™        – for undergraduates at a Higher Education Institution (HEI) University

 

Let’s leave the last word to the CBI:

 

“In an increasingly competitive employment market, employers are looking beyond simple academic achievement when considering applicants for a job or internship.

 

Many now expect to see evidence of other skills and achievements that boost someone's attractiveness as a potential employee.

 

Businesses want graduates who not only add value but who have the skills to help to transform their organisation in the face of continuous and rapid economic and technological change. All graduates - whatever their degree discipline - need to be equipped with employability skills.”