-
- Provided by
-
- Select Location
How can universities help graduates transition between education and the workplace? Strong collaboration with industry and a hands-on approach could present one pathway to success. We take a look at a recent report, and examine how its lessons apply to international students.
A UK university degree is an excellent route to a good job: government figures show that 67% of graduates aged 16-64 were in high-skilled employment in 2023, compared to 23.7% of non-graduates. Those with a postgraduate degree fared even better, at 78.9%.
But sometimes, graduates fall between the gap of higher education and the working world. Upon graduation, they discover that while their knowledge may be top-notch, their skills don’t fully translate to the workplace.
International students may face additional barriers to employability, such as hesitant language skills, lack of a UK-based network of contacts, and unfamiliarity with UK workplace norms. (Although don’t forget – many employers rate their qualities such as bravery, resilience, communication skills and adaptability highly too!)
So what’s the answer? A recent report from the Edge Foundation, in collaboration with UCL’s Institute of Education, finds that practically-based courses with strong industry collaboration help to ensure that graduates are work-ready. Let’s explore some of its findings.
The report, Building Bridges: Enhancing employability through practically-based higher education, explored the characteristics, challenges and implications of practically-based and industry-engaged higher education models.
Researchers looked at two post-92 higher education institutions in England, exploring the skills and employment profiles of the local areas, and collecting empirical data using semi-structured interviews with a range of stakeholders, e.g. senior leaders, heads of school, lecturers and students.
The researchers found the following, illustrating the transformative potential of practically-based higher education models:
Employability is a core university priority, integrated into curricula and with active collaboration between academia and industry.
New staff roles supporting employability have been created, and existing academic roles reshaped to drive work-based learning initiatives.
Curricula emphasise applied knowledge, offering students hands-on experience through placements, client projects, and industry collaboration.
Industry partnerships are critical but challenging, requiring continuous effort and strategic collaboration.
Equity and access remain a priority, with personal career planning and targeted support for students from underprivileged backgrounds.So what do the students themselves make of this practical approach?
The report finds that students value the acquisition of practical skills, and appreciate the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in the workplace through placements. They also value the opportunity to learn about what employers are looking for.
Above all, they find a practically-based approach empowering: it gives them the confidence they need to take proactive steps towards their career goals, such as navigating job opportunities and networking.
The report also highlights the importance of getting the balance right, meeting the needs of students who choose their degrees out of academic passion rather than potential career outcomes. For these students, critical thinking and intellectual exploration rank higher than employability – although, of course, these qualities are also highly valued by employers.
For many international students, who may be daunted by the complexity of job-hunting in the UK, the opportunity to acquire contacts, confidence and practical skills and experience during their studies is not to be missed.
Mohan, who studied Engineering at UWE Bristol and now works as a manufacturing engineer, explains why industry collaboration and placements are so crucial.
He says: “My course covered the aerospace cornerstones needed for my role. For example, I learned about design, manufacturing and systems during my MEng, as well as aspects such as project management. My role is so varied and I work in so many different departments at Airbus, that an ability to integrate several areas of knowledge is key for coming up with the best solutions. My course gave me the range of knowledge needed to take this integrated approach.
“In addition, the engineering placement I did with Airbus as part of my course was exceptional in terms of developing a wide range of skills. During the first six months I worked for additive lay manufacturing, and in the second, I worked with business improvements or Airbus operating systems OS. I enjoyed this experience so much that I can honestly say it was the best year of my life!”
Gradlink helps match employers and international graduates. Whatever career you’re seeking, register today with Gradlink for our free jobs board, database of global employers, and industry-specific advice.