Improving graduate employability in Yorkshire

Universities in Yorkshire undertake significant work to support students through their studies, and as they move into and beyond graduation. The most successful regions are those able to attract and retain large numbers of graduates. These places prioritise improving graduate utilisation within the labour market to encourage and enable more students and graduates to achieve employment and career success.

In May 2022, Yorkshire Universities published a multi-stakeholder report, ‘Supporting Graduate Employment and Employability in Yorkshire’, which identified a series of practical actions that universities, employers and local partners could take to strengthen the existing support available to students in Yorkshire. Eight key priorities were highlighted in an action plan to help expand and improve access to more well-paid jobs for graduates.

Throughout the past year, Yorkshire Universities has been co-ordinating and delivering activity across the eight priorities. A region-wide network, created after the launch of the report, is gaining real momentum, engaging more stakeholders, and galvanising further ideas for action. 

Today, at a conference hosted by the University of Huddersfield, delegates will hear more about how success is being delivered on the ground. The event will also discuss the further interventions needed to help more students and graduates in Yorkshire enter the world of work, and support employers of whatever size and sector to access the array of new and diverse skills and talent emerging from the region’s universities. 

Chair of the Board of Yorkshire Universities, Professor Karen Bryan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of York St John University, said: "The higher education sector is a major contributor to Yorkshire’s economy, culture and society. Our students and graduates are central to delivering impact in our region and beyond. They are the next generation of leaders, innovators, and creatives, whose skills and unique perspectives, will help us to unlock the potential of our cities and to address the key challenges facing our society today."

Chair of Yorkshire Universities’ Graduate Workstream Group, Professor Tim Thornton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield, said: "Working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders in Yorkshire allows us to build long lasting and enduring relationships, and it helps business to navigate the distinct higher education offer. By doing so we build a better understanding of the needs and requirements of students, educational providers and employers."