Range of new initiatives to help employers take on University of Chester talent

The University’s Employer Engagement Team (EET) is offering a suite of employer-focused initiatives from early 2025, as well as overseeing general vacancy advertising through its dedicated CareerHub platform, promoting part-time and graduate level roles at no cost.

From January onwards, employers can connect with soon-to-be and recent graduates through the ‘Get a Graduate Job’ initiative. Over 60% of University students wish to remain in the region after graduation if they can secure employment and, through this free service, employers will have direct access to the University’s talent pool and the dedicated support of the Careers and Employability Team, who will promote vacancies and help develop brand awareness through a low-risk recruitment.

Those wishing to meet talented students can do so through Employer in the Foyer visits at the University between January and April, to engage with students on a face-to-face basis.

The EET wishes to engage with organisations who have graduate-level jobs to fill or whose graduate recruitment schemes are open for applications. Additionally, the inaugural ‘GradGo’ mini graduate job fair will offer the opportunity for a limited number of local businesses to showcase their open job vacancies in person, on campus, at no cost.

Kirsty Badrock, Employer Engagement Co-ordinator at the University of Chester, said: “The University’s Graduate Internships provide an excellent opportunity for employers to host final-year undergraduate students or recent graduates, enabling them to gain practical experience and apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. In return, the organisation benefits from the fresh ideas, energy, and perspectives these interns bring. For example, Warrington Rylands FC hosted one of our students, Frank James, on an internship which proved so successful they later offered him a full-time role.”

Internships run for 180 hours (approximately five weeks full-time) and can be hosted on-site, remotely, or on a hybrid basis. Opportunities will be promoted from March to May 2025, with internships starting in June with flexible start dates available.

Also available are fully funded schemes for charities, CICs, non-profits, and start-ups in their first year, as well as part-funded schemes for SMEs. Fully funded internships cover 100% of the hourly rate (£13.51) reimbursed by the University, while part-funded schemes cover 60%. The EET supports the entire process, from promoting employers’ opportunities to managing applications and addressing queries. The EET is currently taking expressions of interest to access talented students across diverse fields while contributing to their career development.

Businesses interested in getting involved in these initiatives are urged to get in touch as soon as possible, by emailing employers@chester.ac.uk or by visiting: https://employers.careers.chester.ac.uk/ 

• Image: Student Frank James, pictured with the Director of Warrington Rylands FC Andy Martin who hosted him on an internship, before offering him a full-time role.