www.bradford.ac.uk/management

Universities and Communities: developing relationships locally, nationally and

globally

Margaret Alipoor

School of Management

University of Bradford

From WP to Employability“the likelihood of those from lowest participation areas participating in HE had increased by 30% over the last 5 years and by 50% over the last 15 years” (HEFCE 2013)

BUTThere is still a huge gap between most and least advantaged (57% compared with 19%, HEFCE 2013)ANDGraduate employment rates still favour more advantaged groups

Over 50% of current students fall into widening participation categories

Now a shift to include a focus on Employability

What does this mean?

Careers education, focus on employer engagement, embedding employability in the curriculum

University of Bradford

Embedding Employability Skills

• Real world examples and case studies• Guest Lectures• Discipline and Personal Skills development• Employer engagement in course planning and

delivery

Developing Reciprocal Relationships

Relevant work experience-placements,internships, volunteering

Responding to employers – sharing expertise, developing courses

More than Advisory Groups and governance role

University of BradfordEmployer Engagement

• Professional Networks

• Bespoke Programmes

• Employer involvement in Curriculum

• Third Sector Support

Value for University and Communities 1

• Students – occupational informed curriculum, opportunities to enhance cv, build relationships with employers locally, nationally and globally, opportunities to study and work worldwide

Value for Universities and Communities 2

Communities – to influence the curriculum and skills of their future employees, to gain advice and consultancy from academics and students, to identify potential future employees

Developing Relationships Globally

Global Campus• Degree programmes delivered in locations

across the globe• Quality Assured• Partnership of Academics in development

and delivery• Student Interactions

What Next?

• Through partnership with communities locally, nationally and internationally supporting ethical and sustainable development to achieve economic development

• “Making Knowledge Work”