October 2024
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This conference discussed how to improve graduate outcomes and employability in the UK.
Key stakeholders and policymakers examined approaches to ensuring that the range of courses being offered by UK HEIs addresses both skills demands in the UK job market and wider societal needs.
It took place in the context of changing perceptions of the value of different degrees amongst HEIs, students and employers - with the Institute of Student Employers Student Development Survey 2024 finding increasing reports from employers of graduates and apprentices leaving for better pay.
The conference was an opportunity to discuss the direction of policy under the new Government, with commitments to:
- establish Skills England and put in place a guarantee of access to training, an apprenticeship, or support to find work for all 18-21 year-olds
- devolve adult skills funding to Combined Authorities
- improve engagement with employers in the skills system, with the aim of growing the quality of training and employment opportunities
Recruitment priorities for employers were discussed, looking at implications of recent trends in the perception of desirable skills from university courses and ongoing issues surrounding the concept of ‘low value degrees’, and the role of HE courses in addressing skills gaps in the job market moving forward.
The agenda brought out latest thinking on strategies designed to measure degree value and incorporate student input into course content and structures, as well as the potential for new ways of measuring graduate outcomes moving forward.
Those attending also looked at the impact a student’s experience at university has on graduate outcomes, including how universities prepare students with the knowledge, soft skills, and experience necessary to secure employment after graduation.
It was an opportunity to assess the impact of increased focus on employability within curriculum design in recent years on improving graduate employment prospects and influencing student choices. Sessions also considered how to improve the university outcomes of those from disadvantaged backgrounds, through tailoring careers advice, increasing mentoring and networking opportunities, targeting specific groups and partnering with employers.
There was further discussion on strategies for strengthening university careers services and best practice in helping students into employment, including raising awareness of career opportunities and pathways. Delegates considered how the latest iteration of the TEF and the release of LEO data is impacting universities’ decision-making around employability and investment in careers guidance services.
Further sessions considered how best to retain the UK’s attractiveness as a study and work destination for international students, with discussion on employment opportunities for filling labour market skills gaps and contribution to the economy more widely, as well as looking forward to future policy options for graduate visas, in light of the Migration Advisory Committee’s recent recommendation that this visa route remain in place.
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those that attended include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords and officials from DfE; DHSC; DAERA, NI; DBT; Department for the Economy, NI; DFHERIS, ROI; DPENDR, ROI; GLD; MOD; RAF; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
