A graduate employment
scheme between universities in Leeds and local businesses is set to bolster the
area’s job market.
The Business
Enhancement Scheme, run at Leeds Metropolitan University, allows graduates to
work on specific projects in the local companies that range from the
introduction of marketing to the development of IT systems.
Graduates are
supported throughout the project by an academic expert, so that they can use
their expertise to help businesses grow in an uncertain economic climate.
The scheme,
which has just celebrated the end of its first project, gives graduates the
opportunity to take up paid work experience placements that can last from eight
weeks to two years, designed around the needs of employers. Projects lasting for six months or more
receive funding from Leeds Metropolitan for academic support and
administration, while businesses pay solely for direct employment-related
costs.
Commenting on
the scheme, Simon Baldwin, Senior Business Development Manager at Leeds
Metropolitan, said:
“Universities
have the ability to stimulate private sector growth and become a catalyst for
business development. I have heard said many times, especially by small
businesses owners, they would like to employ more staff but can’t afford the
time, cope with the bureaucracy or take the risk of hiring someone now that
they will have to let go a few months later. The Business Enhancement Scheme
minimises risk and red-tape for employers, enabling them to grow their
workforce and business.”
Beata Olah, a
2009 graduate in Managing Performance at the University of Leeds, has just come
to the end of the scheme’s first project; a 16-week placement with Leeds City
Council. As part of the project she was tasked with developing an evaluation
toolkit to asses the impact of cultural activities in Leeds.
“'I saw a number of benefits thanks to my
placement in the scheme. For example, I was able to use my knowledge of
research and events evaluation from my university
studies to see how theoretical frameworks could be realised in practice. I also
benefitted from developing a network of contacts, being exposed to new
volunteering opportunities, gaining experiences of grant application systems
and funding criteria; as well as further developing my knowledge of events,
culture, arts and marketing through applied practice,” she added.
Has an
employment scheme helped you secure your first graduate job?