Summit celebrates innovation in employability

Newman University has hosted its first summit celebrating the work of staff and students to improve employability.

One of the key reasons cited by students for choosing Newman as their university of choice is the support on offer – both within and around their courses – to develop the skills they will need to move into graduate-level roles in their chosen industries.

During the summit, staff and partner organisations spent the day shining a spotlight on innovative practice across all subject areas, identifying employability and student success by sharing best practice.

Professor Richard Medcalf, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) at Newman University, said: “Our students tell us that employability is really important to them and that they welcome the focus we place on building confidence and employability attributes throughout the duration of their programmes of study. We were delighted to host the summit to bring together colleagues across the university to reflect on what we do at Newman in this area.

“I was also delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Doug Cole as Visiting Research Fellow in Employability – a position that builds on the review of employability undertaken last year. The fellowship will support collaborative research projects and support our work to re-frame employability over the coming years. I look forward to working with Dr Cole over the duration of his visiting fellowship.”

During the summit, Dr Cole also provided a keynote address on ‘developing a future-facing approach to support employability and student success.’ He added: “I am absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to work and collaborate with Professor Medcalf and colleagues across Newman to help drive this critical agenda over the coming years and for the benefit of their future graduates.”