27 July 2009

University's internship scheme hailed in 'recession to recovery' report

A graduate internship scheme operated by the University of Dundee has been highlighted in a national report documenting the pivotal role higher education institutions will play in moving the UK from recession to recovery.

A report published today (Monday) by Universities UK highlights some of the practical steps being taken by universities to prepare graduates, students and businesses for the current challenges they face.

The University of Dundee Careers Service earlier this year became the first in the UK to offer graduates an internship certificate which will allow them greater access to industry after the end of their studies and boost their CVs.

The Scottish Internship Graduate Certificate (SIGC) is a postgraduate certificate consisting of three credit-bearing Modules and offers a six month placement with a high profile employer within Scotland.

'We launched this to give our students a real advantage in terms of being noticed by Scottish / UK graduate employers,' said Graham Nicholson, Director of the Careers Service at the University.

'We are ahead of the game in this and the interest in the certificate has been excellent.'

Through the programme students can enhance their employment prospects in the UK and abroad by gaining valuable hands-on experience within a Scottish business whilst developing a real insight into the UK business climate and culture.

The Universities UK report - From Recession to Recovery - highlights:

The economic growth universities can stimulate through their teaching and research, generating ideas and helping business use them. It is predicted that the UK will require a highly skilled workforce for future recovery.

The fact that collaboration with business has grown extensively over the last few years, with 93% of universities proving a dedicated service for small and medium sized enterprises.

The work being done across the institutions to ensure that graduates have the edge in these difficult times. Universities are: providing internship schemes and securing student placements; offering training and support for graduates looking to set-up their own businesses; working to support local people who have been made redundant by offering places on modules and providing further training.

Diana Warwick, Chief Executive, Universities UK said: 'Universities across the country have responded quickly to short-term needs. But the impact will be long term. By improving graduates’ chances of getting a job, or assisting businesses to increase their productivity, these actions will have a lasting value.'

'This report demonstrates that universities are vital to the UK’s long-term economic health and sustainability.'

Rt Hon Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills said: 'Universities are central to the economic success of the UK, supporting record numbers of students, providing world class research and contributing £45 billion to the wider economy.'

'It was in recognition of this valuable contribution that the Government, with HEFCE, announced the Economic Challenge Investment Fund. This £50m Fund has been offering real help to over 50,000 people and 11,700 businesses through universities and colleges with training, courses and internships to ensure we have a skilled workforce that is ready for an upturn in the economy.'

Sir Alan Langlands, Chief Executive of HEFCE said: 'Universities and colleges have transformed their relationship with business with support from our third stream funding. They are providing wide-ranging solutions to the economic difficulties currently facing the country, regions and local communities. For example HEFCE has introduced a £50 million Economic Challenge Investment Fund. And we are bringing forward £200 million in capital funding to stimulate economic activity.'

'Higher education remains in a pivotal position to address the short term problems facing individuals and businesses and the longer term challenges as the country emerges from recession.'

Anyone seeking further information on the SIGC should contact the Careers Service at the University of Dundee - see www.dundee.ac.uk/careers or tel: 01382 384017.

Notes to editors
The report, which was supported by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) will be available to download from the Universities UK website at www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/publications.

As the recently published Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey shows, universities and higher education (HE) colleges in the UK provided ideas and services worth £2.812 billion in 2007-08. This significant contribution emphasises the rapid response of universities to business needs. For more information on the latest HE-BCI survey, visit: www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2009/09_23/

Universities UK supports the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s (HEFCE) very successful 'Economic Challenge Investment Fund' to help the higher education sector address rapidly some of the current economic challenges. For more information on this scheme, visit: www.hefce.ac.uk/econsoc/challenge/

Universities UK is the major representative body and membership organisation for the higher education sector. It represents the UK's universities and some higher education colleges. Its 133 members are the executive heads of these institutions. Universities UK works closely with policy makers and key education stakeholders to advance the interests of universities and to spread good practice throughout the higher education sector. Founded in 1918 and formerly known as the Committee for Vice-Chancellors and Principals (CVCP), Universities UK celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2008.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
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University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk