Universities in Yorkshire undertake significant work to support students through their studies, and as they move into and beyond graduation. The most successful regions are those able to attract and retain large numbers of graduates. These places prioritise improving graduate utilisation within the labour market to encourage and enable more students and graduates to achieve employment and career success.
In May 2022, Yorkshire Universities published a multi-stakeholder report ‘Supporting Graduate Employment and Employability in Yorkshire’, which identified a series of practical actions that universities, employers and local partners could take to strengthen the existing support available to students in Yorkshire. Eight key priorities were highlighted in an action plan to help expand and improve access to more well-paid jobs for graduates.
Throughout the past year, Yorkshire Universities has been co-ordinating and delivering activity across the eight priorities. A region-wide network, created after the launch of the report, is gaining real momentum, engaging more stakeholders, and galvanising further ideas for action.
Today, at a conference hosted by the University of Huddersfield, delegates will hear more about how success is being delivered on the ground. The event will also discuss the further interventions needed to help more students and graduates in Yorkshire enter the world of work, and support employers of whatever size and sector to access the array of new and diverse skills and talent emerging from the region’s universities.
The higher education sector is a major contributor to Yorkshire’s economy, culture and society. Our students and graduates are central to delivering impact in our region and beyond. They are the next generation of leaders, innovators, and creatives, whose skills and unique perspectives, will help us to unlock the potential of our cities and to address the key challenges facing our society today.
Chair of the Board of Yorkshire Universities, Professor Karen Bryan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of York St John University
Working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders in Yorkshire allows us to build long lasting and enduring relationships, and it helps business to navigate the distinct higher education offer. By doing so we build a better understanding of the needs and requirements of students, educational providers and employers.
Chair of Yorkshire Universities’ Graduate Workstream Group, Professor Tim Thornton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield
Notes to Editors
Yorkshire Universities has a shared commitment to strengthen the contribution of universities and higher education institutions to the economic, social and civic well-being of people and places in Yorkshire. The twelve member institutions of Yorkshire Universities are: Leeds Arts University; Leeds Conservatoire; Leeds Beckett University; Leeds Trinity University; Sheffield Hallam University; University of Bradford; University of Huddersfield; University of Hull; University of Leeds; University of Sheffield; University of York; and York St John University.
In Yorkshire, around 68,000 students graduate each year from across the twelve institutions that together form the membership of Yorkshire Universities.
www.yorkshireuniversities.ac.uk
@YorkshireUnis
#YUGradConf23
Contact
Emma Norfolk
Communications & Projects Officer
Yorkshire Universities
e.norfolk@yorkshireuniversities.ac.uk
07480633182
