Placement scheme set for national launch

Companies can find out how a placement can help their business at the national launch of the Step Placement programme on Wednesday, 27 February 2013.

Step gives students and graduates access to bespoke paid work experience placements in sectors ranging from engineering to communications at a challenging time in the jobs market. The programme is a cost effective, risk-free way for companies to hire and try out recent graduates or current students on short-term placements.

Students, businesses and universities are set to attend the event, which will include talks from companies and graduates who have gone through the scheme and presentations about the Step programme.

There will be an opportunity to meet recent graduates and network with local businesses at the event at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park from 9.30am to 1pm.

The University of Wolverhampton has an impressive track record of successfully placing students with businesses through the Step programme, with 93% of their placements going on to full time graduate calibre work.

Matthew Preston completed a six-month placement at Extra Mile Communications in Eccleshall. He has since secured a permanent role at the company.

He says: “I couldn’t tell you how much I learned from being with the company for six months – it seemed a lot in such a short space of time.

“I’d truly recommend the Step scheme to any student unsure of what to do next. Whilst it gives you experience in the real world and lots of valuable knowledge, it also gives you a chance to earn your way so that you’re able to live and reap the benefits come the end of the contract, when hopefully you will be taken on in a permanent role, just as I was.”

Simon Brandwood, Head of Careers and Employment Centre at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “Students and graduates have made a key contribution locally, regionally and nationally to the economic growth of the UK. Step is a cost effective way of trialling future graduate employees, and it is a great mechanism to bring individual growth to an organisation. We’re looking forward to welcoming companies to the University to hear more about how the scheme can help them.”

Companies who attend the launch event and complete the employer application form for a graduate or student summer placement by the 31 March 2013 will receive a discounted package.

To book a place and for further information visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/steplaunch or call 01902 321688.

Step has been working with universities, students and businesses since 1986 and has organised and managed around 22,000 placements. Further information about Step is available at:www.step.org.uk  

ENDS

For media inquiries please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736

Date Issued: Thursday, 07 February 2013