Plugging the equality gap in graduate employment
22 January 2008
Southampton Solent University is working with local employers such as Ford, Skandia and Hampshire Constabulary to narrow the equality gap in employment for disadvantaged graduates.
A group of Solent students met their mentors for the first time at Lawton Communications Group.
The University's 'Mentoring + Programme' was initially aimed at black and ethnic minorities in a response to national statistics indicating they would be less likely to get a graduate level job.
Two years on, the programme has now been extended to include any student who feels that they will be disadvantaged in the labour market due to a particular difficulty. For example – ethnicity, age, country of origin, gender, disability or ex offender.
The students will receive one-to-one mentoring from industry professionals who will also deliver a series of workshops.
Southampton Solent University's Career and Jobshop Employment Adviser (Volunteering), Louise Drake says:
"The support of our students throughout their studies by equipping them for the workplace is one of the University's strengths. The excellent relationship we have with local business and organisations is key to our success. Their generosity in supporting this programme will further enhance our graduates' career opportunities."
Third year Maritime Studies student Marcus Pradhan is pleased to be partnered with Adam Myers from Faststream Recruitment, specialists in the maritime industry. He said:
"As a foreign student I am concerned that it will be more difficult for me to find employment. I am hoping that Adam will help me make good contacts within the industry and give me some pointers on the qualities potential employers are looking for."
This is the first time that Faststream Recruitment has taken part in the programme. Adam Myers says:
"This is a great opportunity for us to build better links with the community and the University. We are in the process of setting up a graduate training programme and in addition to helping Marcus I am also keen to find out what today's graduates are looking for and how best we can assist them into the job market."
As well as hosting the 'getting to know you' session Lawton Communications Group have also donated their facilities for the mentor training sessions. Matt Lawton explains why they are such keen supporters of the programme:
"We think diversity promotes creativity and that's our business so we're thrilled to be helping overcome the issue locally."
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