University boosts students' employability with York Award
Posted on 23 June 1998
The York Award is a qualification which will be earned in addition to a student's degree and recorded on their degree certificate. The Award programme includes language and information literacy skills, together with involvement in projects such as the Student Tutoring Scheme (in which students help out in local schools), voluntary work and other personal development schemes.
The York Award is designed to raise students' awareness of the opportunities available to them when they leave higher education, and the demands of employers in the rapidly changing labour market. It combines the demands of academic study, vocational experience and the acquisition of key skills.
The York Award is a partnership between the University, its students and leading stakeholders in education and graduate recruitment. The University is working with North Yorkshire Training and Enterprise Council, Arthur Andersen, BP, the Department of Social Security, Marks and Spencer, Midland Bank and Smith & Nephew and is developing a range of course material for the Award in association with other key private and public sector organisations.
As part of the Award, students are encouraged to think earlier about what they might wish to do when they leave university and how they should best use their time at the University. The Award provides students with opportunities to meet and talk with representatives of local and national employers, and recent graduates, and to receive guidance from them on the ways in which they can prepare for their initiation into the world of work.
"Through the Award, students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities and to broaden their skills," said York Award Coordinator, Dr Robert Partridge. "They will do this through training courses in information literacy, languages, communication skills, team building, understanding business, financial management, theology, reason and argument, and active citizenship. They will be encouraged to contribute to the local community through voluntary work, to develop their personal interests and to gain work experience."
Notes to editors:
- The 1997 Dearing Report drew attention to the fact that many graduates have little or no experience of employment, and that universities have a responsibility to provide their students with a range of training which will prepare them better for life beyond education. The York Award is the University of York's distinctive way of addressing these issues.
- The York Award will be launched at 6.30 pm on Tuesday 23 June in the Exhibition Centre at the University of York. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
- For further information about the York Award please contact Robert Partridge on 01904 432492, e-mail award@york.ac.uk