Leeds Conservatoire is one of the members of Yorkshire Universities (YU). A new report published by YU reveals how universities, students, employers and regional institutions can together help more graduates in Yorkshire enter the world of work or start up in business. In 2020/21, 212,000 students, from over 120 countries, were studying at Yorkshire’s universities, of which 68,000 graduated last year.
Written by a multi-stakeholder Task and Finish Group, convened by YU, the report features a series of recommendations on how to improve graduate employment and employability in the region. Amongst the proposals, include steps to: create more in-study and work experience opportunities; ensure there is more tailored careers and enterprise support; enhance the use of brokerage models to better connect graduates to job opportunities; provide clearer entry points within universities for employers; and run a coordinated campaign to promote the value of graduates to Yorkshire.
Welcoming the report, Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, and YU Chair, said:
“The higher education sector is a major contributor to Yorkshire’s economy, culture and society. If we are to increase social mobility and ‘level up’, then our students and graduates will be central to the success of these missions. This report rightly encourages universities to work more collaboratively and with a diverse range of students and employers, to enable more people from a wide range of diverse backgrounds who graduate in the region to realise their full potential.”
Chair of the Task and Finish Group, Professor Karen Bryan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of York St John University, said:
“Universities and partners in Yorkshire currently undertake significant work, and invest heavily, to support students through their studies and as they move into and beyond graduation. Our report recommends some further practical actions that universities and local partners can take to strengthen the existing support that is available to students in Yorkshire, which should help to expand and improve access to more well-paid jobs and careers for graduates.”
Dr Paul Abbott, Director of Events & Enterprise at Leeds Conservatoire, added:
“The report showcases the brilliant work which is already undertaken to support students and graduates across the region, and demonstrates the significant commitment from all our partners in Yorkshire. For a number of years, Leeds Conservatoire Agency has been a successful conduit for music students and graduates to gain valuable work experience, supported by a friendly team who nurture their ability.
"We have already seen the impact of sharing good practice and combining resources with other institutions in the development of our suite of employability and skills provision. Our continued commitment to collaborative working through Yorkshire Universities and other working groups sets up an exciting future for students and graduates in the region and beyond.”
