Project to boost job prospects

The University was awarded the funding to enable graduates from any discipline to complete a 12-week placement at a Dutch company.

Each graduate will learn new skills, find out about other cultures and improve their language skills to enhance their job prospects when they return to the UK.

The University’s Careers and Employment Services successfully bid for funding of 80,000 Euros (approximately £68,000) for the scheme from the Leonardo da Vinci programme, an EU initiative to support education and training.

Fifteen graduates will head to Holland in January for 12 weeks to work on a variety of projects in Dutch companies. To ensure that those who will benefit the most from the experience are targeted, the graduates must be unemployed to qualify for the project.

Graduates can apply for this programme up to three years after completing their degree.All graduates will participate in a foreign language class before and whilst on placement. They will also be able to develop skills for interviews and produce reports appropriate to businesses.

Helene Turley, Employer Engagement Manager, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the University of Wolverhampton graduates. Not only will it give our graduates a head start in gaining employment in today’s economic climate, they will also learn new skills, develop new ideas and learn about different cultures.

“At the heart of this project is the concept of living the international experience by gaining global business knowledge within a European country.”

To apply for the scheme, contact 01902 323400 or email theworkplace@wlv.ac.uk

Further information

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.

For media inquiries, contact Vickie Woodward in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736 or 07973 335112.