“Fresh Ideas” event promotes talent pool

The University of Hull hosted the session which was jointly delivered by their Careers Service and Business School and gave staff and students an opportunity to connect with local businesses and discuss recruitment and connected engagement themes.

Among the subjects covered were student and graduate recruitment, engaging with students through events, student projects and mentoring, and research and exec-education opportunities for businesses within the wider University.

Matt Beecroft, Employer Engagement Manager in the University’s Careers Service, said: 

“There is a genuine desire to work in partnership with business providing students with work experience, industry insight and exposure to the challenges faced.

“The Business School spoke about their approach to authentic business learning allowing students to work on projects briefs set by organisations. Following a series of short talks, there was a discussion exercise allowing businesses, students and university staff to speak about recruitment, skills and business needs connected to the theme of artificial intelligence.”

Rod Chambers, Project Manager for HEY LSIP, said the event raised once again the importance of students developing “employability skills”, making them attractive to employers, bringing enthusiasm, talent and creativity to the workplace.

He added: 

“It is vital that there are opportunities for students to access work experience, and so reinforcing the importance of that at an event such as this is critical. We know from research that there will be an increasing demand for skills such as project management to support the growth of the emerging sectors in Hull and East Yorkshire. The opportunity for students to work on time critical specific projects with local employers can really make a difference and change how we understand the value of work experience.”