Firms seeking dozens of graduates for paid job placements

The University of Wolverhampton is looking for nearly 25 graduates to fill paid West Midlands work placements.

The Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN), part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, is designed to give aspiring graduates a platform to kick-start their careers.

The programme involves a recently qualified graduate (known as an affiliate) working for a West Midlands business on a growth project, developed in association with a regional university.

The affiliate’s role is to spearhead the project with the ultimate aim of increasing the company’s profitability and helping it to achieve growth.

The project can last between 6 to 21 months and Affiliate annual salaries typically range from £17,000 to £25,000.

And right now, a total of 24 places are available to graduates eager to make their mark in the world of work.

Emma Pearson, KEEN Manager, is responsible for developing and managing the University’s portfolio of KEEN programmes.

She said: “We are looking for high calibre graduates who can offer businesses a fresh perspective on the way they work. The programme provides graduates with a real career opportunity.

“KEEN stands out from other graduate programmes as Affiliates are placed at the heart of a company’s growth plan while being mentored by an academic and given the chance to put their degree into ‘real world practice’.”

KEEN was launched last year. Current opportunities include an events and conference manager role in Stafford. The role involves leading on the development and implementation of a business plan and marketing strategy for corporate events at a large capacity venue.

Another role for furniture designer has just started, which involves reviewing products, materials and markets to develop new and innovative designs.

Examples of other KEEN Affiliate jobs include marketing and communications officer; product designer; computer programmer and software engineer.

Graduates are encouraged to register at http://www.wmkeen.org.uk/ to be notified of the latest KEEN affiliate vacancies.

To find out more about KEEN and the opportunities it offers, visit www.wlv.ac.uk/keen  

ENDS

For more information please contact Chris Jones in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736