Read: Aligning Talent with Opportunity for York St John students
A roadshow connecting young people at university with job opportunities at organisations which reflect their values was recently held at York St John University in York.
Hosted by the Purpose Coalition and the Adecco Group, one of the world’s biggest recruitment companies, it is the latest in a series of Opportunity Roadshows taking place at universities across the country over the next few months. The events bring together employers and students with the aim of
improving their recruitment experience. They will also help build a unique online platform, Open Door, which will link students at Purpose Coalition universities in some of the least advantaged places in the country with placement and recruitment opportunities at Purpose Coalition organisations.
The roadshows give students the chance to meet employers to hear first-hand about how their organisations are making a social impact, and to find out whether their priorities match. They will also help employers learn what is important to future employees and what more they can do to break down the barriers that prevent talented individuals from achieving their potential. Universities will have a key part to play in helping employers understand what their students have to offer as well as finding out more about what employers are looking for to plug the skills gap. Their input will be crucial in making the platform a success.
Speakers at the roadshow included the Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Education Secretary, Rt Hon Justine Greening, Professor Karen Bryan, Vice Chancellor of York St John University and Sandeep Bhandal, Vice President of Marketing, Communications, Insight & Social Impact for UK & Ireland at The Adecco Group. Breakout sessions focused on the barriers that can exist when applying to some employers and solutions for overcoming them, on the kind of outreach and access that will help to ensure that the recruitment process and working practices are fair and inclusive and on the platforms that students currently use to job hunt and how their universities can support them in finding a job and organisation that is right for them.
Rt Hon Justine Greening, said: “More and more organisations have committed to making a positive social impact on their staff, their customers and supply chains and their communities. The generation that is now at university and about to enter the labour market increasingly want to work for those employers whose values align with theirs and who have adopted their priorities as their own, on broad societal and environmental issues but also on issues that are important to their local areas. They are looking for something beyond just a job – they want to know that the organisation they are working for is making a positive difference.
“These roadshows, powered by Adecco as it continues its ambition to drive positive change, will allow students, employers and universities to develop deeper connections which will in turn strengthen the talent pipeline. That is hugely important at a university like York St John which has a high proportion of students from underrepresented groups, many of whom remain in the region once they have graduated. It’s an institution which is committed to investing skills back into the local area and the Open Door project will help to foster constructive links between people and place.”
Professor Karen Bryan, said: “As a University driven by its commitment to social justice, our students are passionate about tackling the challenges faced by society and benefiting their communities and region through work opportunities. The roadshow provided a valuable opportunity for our students to build connections with employers who reflect their values and interests. It is clear that we all have a role to play in supporting students into employment, acknowledging the skills, talent and creativity they bring to the workforce.”
Sandeep Bhandal, Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Social Impact at The Adecco Group said: “The York Opportunity Roadshow offered great insight from the lens of a student into some of their barriers to employment, the support they need from potential future employers and the working practices, values and culture they now expect from a place of work. Thank you to York St John University for hosting a fantastic event.”
