Employability
In this programme of work, we focus on enhancing the academic, personal and professional development of learners to meet the changing needs of employers, the economy and society.
A widely accepted definition of employability is
a set of achievements, - skills, understandings and personal attributes – that make graduates more likely to gain employment and be successful in their chosen occupations, which benefits themselves, the workforce, the community and the economy (ESECT 2004, PDF 135KB).
More recently, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has developed its own framework of employability skills, while others have taken a more critical view of the limitations of a skills based approach. We welcome and facilitate dialogue regarding the conceptual development of employability, and commission a range of reports and publications which support an evidence based approach.
Our work is focused on helping institutions to develop their teaching and learning in ways which will enable graduates to meet the economic and social challenges of 21st century.
We work with practitioners and discipline communities to embed effective employability practice within the curriculum. There is a growing emphasis on the development of institutional level frameworks and, increasingly, we are working with managers and senior staff to develop strategic approaches to employability. We also support the graduate enterprise agenda.
If you would like to be informed about our forthcoming employability events, access our latest resources or share practice with staff in other institutions, please sign up to our Employability Network.
