Graduate Accelerator Programme

05 March 2010

The programme is jointly funded by HEFCE's ECIF (Economic Challenge Innovation Fund) and is designed to support unemployed and underemployed graduates into suitable employment.

Almost 150 local graduates from a range of universities have attended the free programme, where they learn how to market the skills developed during their university programmes enabling them to develop their careers.

Rebecca, a Politics graduate, attended a recent programme and is starting a new job as a Research Project Officer next month. Rebecca commented: “I felt that what I learnt and gained from the programme enabled me to be confident to apply for a role that I really wanted, that utilises my degree and experience. I was able to research and prepare a strong application and present myself at interview in a way that I would not have been able to before. I'm really looking forward to it as it is something that I am really interested in and that I feel suits my skills.”

During the week long programme, participants have the opportunity to complete a skills audit, develop an action plan with a careers guidance specialist, learn how to write an effective CV and application form,  discover how to thoroughly prepare for  interviews and other methods used in graduate level selection process such as making presentations and taking part in assessment centre activities.

The week finishes with a personal CV clinic, a mock interview conducted by external specialists in graduate recruitment and a networking lunch with local employers. This is an opportunity to chat with representatives from organisations who currently employ graduates or are looking to recruit. Previous attendees include:

• Royal Mail
• Santander
• Pilkingtons
• Juice FM
• Civil Service
• Smaller Earth
• Cogent
• CSA
• Sparkle Media
• Merseyside Fire Service
• Financial Services Sector Skills Council
• Liverpool Vision
• Liverpool City Council People Pool

 

Colette Ashbrook, Project Manager, said: “Feedback from both participants and employers is consistent in support of this programme. Employers are looking to recruit candidates who not only have the technical skills developed during their degree, but who are also able to articulate how their skills are matched to the demands of the job and the organisation. The Graduate Accelerator Programme equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in a competitive labour market.”

For further information and to apply for a place visit www.ljmu.ac.uk/gap