University’s Week of Work aims to boost employability skills

Almost 200 students at Swansea University will be heading for the office and the factory rather than the campus today (Monday 21 January) as they take part in the Week of Work, which organises placements with local employers.

The Week of Work, along with other placements and support provided by the University’s Employability Academy and Careers Service, is aimed at boosting students’ skills and experience even further, giving them a head start in the job market in tough times.

Employers large and small, and from different sectors, are taking part in Week of Work, including Morgan Cole, DJM Law, Savills, Parc y Scarlets, Leadbitter and the Welsh Government.

They have been asked to provide students with graduate level work experience, which might involve:

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• Shadowing a senior member of staff to understand their role
• Working within one aspect of the business to build detailed knowledge
• Spending each day experiencing different parts of the organisation

The new Week of Work scheme is part of Employability Week at Swansea University, which runs from Monday 21st to Friday 25th January, and which also offers students almost 150 workshops, all aimed at giving them the edge when they come to apply for jobs.

Professor Hilary Lappin-Scott, Pro Vice Chancellor at Swansea University, said: “We know that times are tough for young people across the UK, so at Swansea University we’re making sure we give our graduates a strong head start.

“We know employers greatly value applicants with work experience. Placements also allow students to develop key skills that we know employers are looking for, such as commercial awareness and working in a team, and can sometimes lead directly to job opportunities too.”

The University has been working closely with the Students’ Union on initiatives such as Week of Work.

Zahid Raja, Swansea University Students’ Union education officer, said: “Ask any student what they’re worried about and one of the top concerns will be getting a decent job after university.

“The Students’ Union and the University have been working in partnership to build relationships with businesses, to give Swansea students an edge when they graduate and compete with other graduates to apply for jobs.”