Work experience scheme for graduates wins funding

A University of Wolverhampton project helping graduates get paid work placements has won nearly £90,000 funding.

The Step programme puts graduates into extended work experience placements, helping them gain vital training and earn money while doing so.

The University works closely with businesses across the Black Country and beyond to arrange the placements, which can last up to 22 weeks and is a very cost effective route for employers to recruit new talent.

Now, thanks to a successful bid to Wolverhampton City Council, the University will be able to offer more placements than ever next year.

The funding will be used to offer firms a hugely discounted rate for graduate placements.

Helene Turley, Employer Engagement Manager at the University of Wolverhampton, said that 92% of students who gain placements go into employment as a result.

She said: “As the University of Opportunity, we want to do everything we can to help students and graduates into work and the Step programme is a really great way of helping to do that.

“It fosters close relationships with local employers and gives graduates vital work experience and training.

“As part of the programme, we will also be inviting employers to workshops at the University to show them how they can give opportunities to students and graduates with disabilities.”

For information on how a placement can help your company contact the Step Team on 01902 321688 or email step@wlv.ac.uk

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