SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND LAUNCHES NEW £1M EMPLOYABILITY LINK SERVICE
08 June 2009
Jim Murphy, Secretary of State for Scotland, officially opened University of the West of Scotland’s new employment advice service on 8 June 2009 which will benefit students across its four campuses.
The University’s new Employability Link service offers specialist advice on career planning, graduate recruitment, work placement and work-based learning. It will help students to prepare for their future working lives and to gain practical experience in industry and the professions as part of their studies.
The Employability Link’s services are accessible by students across the institution, at its campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley, as well as by graduates of the University.
Employers can use the Link as a means of recruiting students for full-time, part-time and project work and will be able to present to students and staff about their companies. The Employability Link will work in partnership with employers helping students to obtain real-life work experience and gain transferable work skills. The Link will also facilitate opportunities for businesses to get more involved in the development of UWS curricula and contribute to students’ knowledge through guest lectures, case studies and projects.
Jim Murphy officially launched the Employability Link at its £1million base at the University’s Paisley Campus. This hub has been created thanks to support from local and national sponsors including the Weir Group, Carnegie Trust, and Ede & Ravenscroft.
Professor Seamus McDaid, Principal and Vice Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “We are delighted that Jim Murphy launched our new Employability Link, which brings together all of our employment functions for students into one student-focused service.
“It will be used by students from their first year of study right through to final year, and beyond graduation. Students can get advice on interview preparation, CV writing and presentation – the real world skills to get them ahead in the job market.
“This new co-ordinated service will also provide students with details on placement and work-based learning opportunities to give them experience as part of their studies, in addition to advice on, and details of, graduate jobs.”