AGCAS News Feed

Vacancy for head of service on AGCAS Board - new deadline

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:30:36 GMT

The deadline for nominations for the position of Plenary Representative on the AGCAS Board of Directors has been extended to Friday 25 May 2012. This position is an excellent opportunity for any head of service who would like to play an important part in ensuring that the association continues to serve well all AGCAS-member higher education careers and employability services and the staff who work in them.

Scottish graduates resilient

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:50:46 GMT

Graduates from Scotland's universities are showing resilience in the jobs market despite real challenges facing all young people, according to a graduate employment briefing released by Universities Scotland.

New website explores London graduates' outcomes

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:42:12 GMT

The Careers Group, University of London has released a public website showing what happened to graduates after leaving universities in London. Aimed at those considering entry to higher education, teachers, parents, pupils and current university students, What London Graduates Do shows the occupation, employer and salaries of graduates over the last five years.

National Council for Careers - members appointed

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:20:29 GMT

An announcement has been made by Skills Minister, John Hayes, concerning the membership of England's new National Council for Careers.

Careers guidance - consultation on extension to duty to provide

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:34:11 GMT

The Department for Education (DfE) in England has announced a consultation on extending the duty to provide independent and impartial careers guidance down to year 8 and up to young people aged 16-18 studying in schools, sixth form colleges and further education institutions.

TARGETjobs Breakfast News: Apprenticeships

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:15:32 GMT

TARGETjobs' Breakfast News this month focused on apprenticeships. The event took place in London on 26 April 2012.

Future of careers and guidance - AGCAS director's presentation

Tue, 08 May 2012 09:58:20 GMT

Tom Davie, Director of Professional Development on the AGCAS Board and Deputy Head of Careers at Durham University, delivered a paper at the recent Westminster Employment Forum, which focused on the future of careers advice and guidance in relation to schools, universities and adult provision.

New Chief Operating Officer for AGCAS

Fri, 04 May 2012 13:49:26 GMT

AGCAS has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer. Ian Ford will start on 6 June 2012. Ian is a qualified accountant who worked in finance at Kodak and BAA, before spending 17 years at the Automobile Association and then becoming Director of Finance and Resources for the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

AGCAS and the Careers Profession Alliance (CPA)

Fri, 04 May 2012 13:13:43 GMT

AGCAS considers it essential that individuals have access to high-quality careers and employability education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) when they need it: while at school, college or university; studying full time, part time or not at all; and whether in employment or not. We also believe that the wider national interest is furthered by careers professionals working closely together. Whenever possible, the profession should speak with one voice.

Career theory workshop wins Jan AGCAS award

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:40:16 GMT

Jan Perrett, Deputy Director at The University of Nottingham, has won the John Franks Award for her Biennial 2011 workshop examining careers theory.

The award, sponsored by Yorkshire and Humberside Heads of Service in memory of their colleague John Franks, who sadly died in service in Spring 2008, is awarded to the best workshop delivered at an AGCAS Biennial Conference.

Vacancy on the AGCAS Education Liaison Task Group

Wed, 02 May 2012 18:06:24 GMT

The AGCAS Education Liaison Task Group is currently looking for two new members with an interest in the national destinations of students and a desire to contribute to the publication What Do Graduates Do?.

Double win for Birmingham

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:50:51 GMT

The Careers and Employability Centre at the University of Birmingham is celebrating recent success, winning at both the National Placement & Internship Awards (NPIA) and the National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) Awards.

Graduates have reasons for optimism - despite recession

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:34:35 GMT

The graduate labour market is holding up well compared to the last quarter of 2011, according to university careers and employability professionals. Responding to the regular vacancy survey carried out by AGCAS, 80% of heads of careers services said that, in their experience, the graduate labour market was more buoyant (35%) or the same (45%) in the quarter ending 31 March 2012 when compared to the last quarter. 60% said it was more buoyant (50%) or the same (10%) compared to the same period last year.

Chester graduates offered a head start

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:18:59 GMT

The Graduate Head Start (GHS) programme set up by the University of Chester's Careers and Employability Department guides and supports recent graduates who have not yet found employment or embarked upon their career path. The free three-day course gives graduates grounding in the skills needed to boost their employability.

Huddersfield tests students' careers confidence

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:46:37 GMT

From September 2012, the University of Huddersfield Careers and Employability Service is offering a Career Health Check to every prospective student. It is hoped that the initiative will give careers advisers a unique insight into the career thinking of students even before they begin their university journey.

AGCAS at the NUS conference

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:20:32 GMT

AGCAS Director and Company Secretary, Sue Spence, also Careers Adviser at the University of Huddersfield, represented AGCAS at the NUS conference held in Sheffield in April. Sue was a panellist on the conference's Global Employability Panel, a fringe event organised by NUS International Students' Officer, Christina Yan Zhang.

Are careers services and students' unions working closely enough?

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:25:30 GMT

The National Union of Students (NUS) conference is taking place this week. With employability high on student agendas, it seems like a good time to reflect on how well careers services and students' unions are working together.

AGCAS Diversity Task Group: an update on activity

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:15:32 GMT

The AGCAS Diversity Task Group was formed in April 2010 to explore, share and develop good practice in relation to the diverse needs, backgrounds and aspirations of a varied client group. During this time, the group has focused on a range of ways to develop services and resources.

Business network for SMEs wins AGCAS award

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:57:31 GMT

The Norfolk Network was announced as the winner of the AGCAS Award for Excellence in Careers Service Engagement at the 2012 TARGETjobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards ceremony on 4 April.

Graduate Labour Market Task Group: Update April 2012

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:21:54 GMT

The Graduate Labour Market Task Group (GLAM) met on 21 March 2012 with very full updates from HESA, HEFCE, BIS and HECSU. GLAM now requests comments and observations from AGCAS members about particular issues that arose around SOC coding and new job roles during the recent collection, together with specific enquiries about the future use of JACs codes.

Vacancies on AGCAS Board of Directors

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:32:07 GMT

AGCAS is recruiting motivated and enthusiastic volunteers to join its Board of Directors from 1 August 2012. Do you want to get involved in the management of AGCAS and making key decisions about its future development? Have you got ideas about what AGCAS should be and what it should be able to provide for its staff, members and stakeholders? As a professional body, a company, a charity and an employer, AGCAS needs to be represented at the highest level by a diverse group of committed individuals.

National Careers Service for England

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:53:36 GMT

A new National Careers Service, which promises improved access to careers advice in England, is to be launched this week. The launch follows last week's publication of statutory guidance, which restated the importance of quality-assured careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in schools. The government says the service will provide 'information, advice and guidance on careers, skills and the labour market, covering further education, apprenticeships and other types of training and higher education through a mix of face-to-face interviews, a telephone helpline and web-based services'.

Postgraduate education consultation - AGCAS response

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:25:24 GMT

AGCAS has responded to a Higher Education Commission consultation on postgraduate education with a call for a review of funding, better access to work experience for postgraduate students and research staff, greater investment in careers education, information, advice and guidance for postgraduates and prospective students and more dialogue between HE and employers on postgraduate education and the needs of business.

Graduate employability: Modern universities supporting graduates and meeting the needs of employers

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:11:40 GMT

AGCAS has produced a special issue of its e-digest, The Edge, to illustrate how different institutions affiliated to the university thinktank million+ are handling the twin challenges of supporting graduates' employability and meeting the needs of employers.

Graduates in the labour market - analysis and comment

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:19:16 GMT

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published a report, Graduates in the Labour Market 2012, which looks at graduate and non-graduate employment over the last decade.

TARGETjobs’ Breakfast News: Employer branding

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:40:26 GMT

AGCAS was represented at the February 2012 TARGETjobs’ Breakfast News in London by board member Jane Standley, Director of the Student Employment, Experience and Careers Centre (SEEC) at the University of Reading. The focus this month was on branding.

HECSU invites AGCAS to give feedback on LDLHE

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:31:47 GMT

HECSU (the Higher Education Careers Services Unit) has recently launched the second survey in its HEFCE-funded project to promote understanding of the Longitudinal Destinations of Leavers from HE (LDLHE). AGCAS members are invited to give feedback on some exemplar materials produced by HECSU to try to make the LDLHE data more accessible.

Wilson Review - initial response from AGCAS

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:29:34 GMT

Sir Tim Wilson's review of university-business collaboration has been published, which proposes an agenda for change that will help make the UK the best place in the world for collaborative activity. Anne-Marie Martin responded on behalf of AGCAS.

Government releases statement of intent for changes affecting international students

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:53:13 GMT

The UK government has released their statement of intent, which outlines the changes they wish to make to the immigration rules around international student work. It is expected that the changes will come into effect on 6th April 2012.

Key Information Set: Timetable and further information

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:15:59 GMT

Following a programme of research and development, which included research into the information needs of potential students, a consultation, pilots, and expert working groups, HEFCE are now working towards the implementation of the Key Information Set (KIS) in September 2012.

The future of careers advice and guidance

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:45:03 GMT

Tom Davie, member of the AGCAS Board of Directors and Deputy Head of the Careers, Employability and Enterprise Centre at Durham University, will be a guest speaker at the Westminster Employment Forum on The future of careers advice and guidance - schools, universities and adult provision taking place on Thursday 26 April in central London.

Help raise awareness of careers in housing: ALO vacancy

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:55:59 GMT

AGCAS is seeking a liaison officer (ALO) for the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), the professional body for those working in, or involved in, the housing sector. CIH and other partner organisations in the sector are keen to continue to raise the profile of a career in housing and raise awareness of the breadth of opportunities for people, including graduates, at all stages of their career.

Employers shortlisted for careers service engagement award

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:29:35 GMT

Six employers have been shortlisted for The AGCAS Award for Excellence in Careers Service Engagement. They were all nominated by higher education careers services. The award is one of the prestigious annual TARGETjobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards.

CV checking - keeping up with demand

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:17 GMT

AGCAS member Sarah Mallen, Information Manager at The University of Manchester, Careers & Employability Division, has been examining the levels of demand at other careers services for CV checking and application advice, who provides it, and exploring what methods are being used to keep up with the demand.

Vacancy on the Legal Profession Task Group

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:22:34 GMT

The AGCAS Legal Profession Task Group is seeking a new Chair. This is a rewarding role offering the opportunity to lead and make a significant contribution to the work of a key AGCAS task group.

AGCAS announces new Company Secretary

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:39:34 GMT

Sue Spence, Careers Adviser at the Careers and Employability Service at the University of Huddersfield, will be the new AGCAS Company Secretary. Sue will take up her position on the AGCAS Board of Directors with immediate effect and will serve for a period of three years.

Bath Spa's 'Little Blue Book'

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:46:37 GMT

Bath Spa University Careers has published a new guide to help convey the many opportunities open to students and the benefits of participating in them. The Little Blue Book: An essential guide to planning your future supports students at different stages of their career planning and has become a much sought-after giveaway to drive footfall to the careers centre.

'Graduate labour market holding up' AGCAS survey

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:21:23 GMT

More employers are looking for graduates according to university careers and employability professionals. Responding to the regular vacancy survey carried out by the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS), 87.5% of heads of careers services said that in their experience the graduate labour market was more buoyant (50%) or the same (37.5%) in the quarter ending 31 December 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.

Demystifying the PhD process

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:59:25 GMT

The AGCAS Postgraduate Students Task Group has produced a new resource aimed at practitioners working with postgraduate students. Demystifying the PhD Process evaluates the different approaches to helping students considering PhD study as their next step, outlines the differences in application procedures, and identifies strategies for careers professionals to apply when dealing with this client group.

Canterbury Christ Church University JobFair

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:56:16 GMT

Over 2,500 students from Canterbury Christ Church University took the opportunity to meet with representatives from 50 companies to discuss graduate employment opportunities at JobFair 2011.

Temps service makes recruitment easy at Canterbury Christ Church

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:26:55 GMT

Canterbury Christ Church University's TempShop provides an easy-access service to staff by removing the administrative burden of temp recruitment.

Coventry University develops Add+vantage employability programme

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:44:48 GMT

Coventry has one of the biggest university employability initiatives in the country, with more than 11,000 students taking one 10-credit employability module in each year of study. The Add+vantage Scheme is centrally coordinated by the Careers and Employability Service and involves all schools, faculties and other departments and employers.

University of West London embraces social media

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:14:00 GMT

The University of West London's Careers and Employment Service has conducted research into the sometimes contrasting ways that employers and students make use of social media and has tailored its services accordingly.

The National Placement & Internship Awards 2012

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:53:31 GMT

This year's National Placement & Internship Awards took place at City University, London on 18 January 2012. The awards were created by RateMyPlacement.co.uk to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of all stakeholders involved in undergraduate work placements and internships. Now in its third year, the event was supported for the first time by AGCAS.

JobSavviGrad helps University of Bedfordshire improve graduate employment outcomes

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:16:10 GMT

The University of Bedfordshire Careers and Employment Service has joined forces with JobSavviGrad to face up to the challenge of improving graduate employability outcomes.

Employability at the heart of University of Derby development

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:51:27 GMT

The careers team at the University of Derby is committed to providing a holistic service to their student body, which, like other Million+ institutions, includes students from a broad spectrum of backgrounds undertaking full time, part time and distance learning courses. They are also committed to reaching out to those students, often from widening participation backgrounds, who can most benefit from the services provided.

The modern university careers service

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:12:28 GMT

What sort of careers service do you want? One size doesn't fit all. Catherine Klimeš, Head of Careers and Employability at the University of Northampton, outlines what careers services can offer their vice chancellors in a diverse and fast-changing sector.

Mentoring boosts employability at Birmingham City University

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:51:54 GMT

Birmingham City University (BCU) Careers Service has developed two high-quality mentoring programmes to give students a real-life insight into the world of work and enhance their employability. The programmes were shortlisted for both the 2011 Times Higher Education Awards and the AGCAS Awards for Excellence.

New University of Bolton initiative improves commercial awareness

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:22:46 GMT

The careers service at the University of Bolton is working with Gradcore to deliver an innovative four-day programme aimed at final year students and graduates. The programme aims to improve the employability of students and grow links with employers and local businesses.

'Great careers start' at the University of Cumbria

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:04:31 GMT

The University of Cumbria's strapline 'Great careers start here...' reflects its commitment in supporting students to realise their career ambitions in a challenging economic context.

Developing employable Gloucestershire graduates

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:01:50 GMT

The University of Gloucestershire's Careers and Employability team and the Department of Teaching and Learning Innovation have jointly developed an award, which gives formal recognition to students' achievement outside of their academic programme.

Coaching complements University of Sunderland provision

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:57:07 GMT

The University of Sunderland's Careers and Employability Service identified a need to improve students' confidence and better prepare them for graduate selection processes. Feedback for the new coaching service is very positive and demand is expected to grow.

Funding to put universities at the heart of social change

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:05:13 GMT

UnLtd and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) have launched a programme of support for social entrepreneurship in English universities and colleges. The initiative will help universities and colleges to develop their support structures for social entrepreneurship, making it easier for students and staff to start up a social venture and thrive within the HE environment. The programme aims to encourage a social entrepreneurship culture across the HE sector.

AGCAS represented at diversity careers events

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:50:34 GMT

Percy Ngcobo, a member of the AGCAS Diversity Task Group, attended various LGBT careers events in the autumn of 2011, including the CASS LGBT Society Careers Panel Networking event, the Careers Diversity Show, and the Inside and Out Investment Banking event.

New careers council seeks members

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:47:15 GMT

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is establishing a new group, a National Council for Careers, to advise the government on improving the quality of careers advice. The Council will provide independent advice to help drive the success of the National Careers Service, due to be launched in In April 2012, and is now looking for nominations from prospective members from a variety of backgrounds, including the careers guidance sector, the education sector, and business.

100 companies open up work experience places

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:36:04 GMT

One hundred companies have signed up to Nick Clegg's social mobility strategy, pledging their firms will open up opportunities for work experience to try to bring an end to career advancement by 'who you know'.

Hull targets SMEs for internships

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:30:36 GMT

The University of Hull Careers Service has been encouraging the region's smaller businesses to employ graduates on an internship basis. As a result, Hull's allocation of internships to small businesses exceeded their target by over 600%, with internships allocated over a range of industry sectors.

Work while studying: blessing or curse?

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:56:45 GMT

Research into undergraduates' experiences of working has been conducted by AGCAS member Angela Vesey, Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and winner of the 2011 AGCAS John Roberts Memorial Prize. Angela's study, as part of her MA in Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (CEIGHE), explored the nature and extent of undergraduates working at NTU, their motivations for working and its perceived impact.

My other job

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:43:04 GMT

Working a full-time job alongside running your own business can test your organisational and time management skills to the limit. Sam Doud, IT and Web Services Manager at the University of Leeds Careers Centre, also runs his own web design and consultancy business.

First career destinations of disabled graduates - research published

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:08:56 GMT

The AGCAS Disability Task Group has produced its annual report on the first destinations of disabled graduates nationally, What Happens Next? This year's report indicates a certain level of stability returning to the graduate labour market following last year’s downturn.

Case studies highlight award-winning work

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:52:28 GMT

A series of case studies has been produced to showcase the winning projects and initiatives recently commended as part of the AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2011.

The case studies have been compiled using the original submissions received from each AGCAS member service. They are intended to encourage and share good practice amongst HE careers professionals to help promote excellence in careers and employability work.

Vacancy on the Research Staff Task Group

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:14:47 GMT

The AGCAS Research Staff Task Group is looking for a new member to join the group. The task group has been busy producing resources for careers advisers and for early career researchers and is also active in the researcher development community to raise the profile of the work of careers advisers and to feed into policy and developments such as the Researcher Development Framework (RDF) and the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.

AGCAS new year resolution: Make ARENA even better

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:19:42 GMT

Here at AGCAS, we're always trying to improve our communications with members. Recently, we seem to have got better at reporting things that interest you. What we are working on now is being quicker off the mark so that, with our help, AGCAS members are recognised as the most up-to-date and well-informed people anywhere on any issue to do with the graduate labour market, employability and careers information, education, advice and guidance.

The Open University: Fees 2012-13

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:23:30 GMT

In July, The Open University (OU) announced that it had set a new fee level for new students in England starting after 1 September 2012. The new fee is £5,000 for a full-time year (120 credits), but as most OU students study part time, this figure will be scaled down in proportion to the intensity of their study.

Chester shortlisted for UK Excellence Award

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:07:05 GMT

Careers and Employability at the University of Chester, in partnership with Student Support and Guidance, was recently shortlisted as a finalist for a 2011 UK Excellence Award by the British Quality Foundation (BQF).

Graduate recruitment and the labour market - latest

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:59:03 GMT

TARGETjobs Breakfast News this month focused on the changing nature of graduate recruitment along with the current state of the graduate labour market. AGCAS was represented by board member Stephen McAuliffe, Director of the Careers and Employability Service at The University of Nottingham.

Northumbria's innovative animation

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:05:16 GMT

Northumbria University's dynamic animated clip, which outlines the service Careers and Employment at the institution provides, is an excellent example of collaboration across a university working in the interests of students. When a need was identified for a low-cost, succinct, high-quality advertisement for careers and employability services, the department employed a collaborative approach both within the service and externally.

Leeds engages the unengaged

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:02:51 GMT

The University of Leeds Careers Centre has developed a successful marketing strategy with materials to 'engage the unengaged', which uses a minimum of staff time but has raised the service's profile and usage.

Aberystwyth's 'Pitch for Pudsey' earns Radio 2 coverage

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:18:04 GMT

Staff at Aberystwyth University Careers Service have been helping students to explore possible career paths, and the employability skills needed to develop a career, by asking them to choose a future job for Pudsey bear in addition to the voluntary work he already undertakes as part of the Children In Need campaign.

Huddersfield's GEMS - winner of top AGCAS award

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:14:52 GMT

The Graduate Employment-Market Statistics (GEMS) software package is an innovative and widely-used method of disseminating information from the annual Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey (DLHE) to universities' key stakeholders including senior management, academic staff, careers researchers, graduates and current and prospective students. It was developed by the Careers Service at the University of Huddersfield in collaboration with academics and senior managers and with careers services nationally.

BSEEN to be a winner in Birmingham

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:14:20 GMT

BSEEN promotes entrepreneurship among students and graduates in the Birmingham area, whilst also meeting regional priorities including increasing higher skills, enhancing innovation and enterprise and supporting SMEs. It was jointly conceived by three partner university careers services: Aston, Birmingham City and Birmingham.

Asidua's a winner for Ulster students

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:13:47 GMT

The relationship between the University of Ulster and Asidua Ltd, a software consultancy and services company based in Belfast, is a clear example of how effective collaboration between an employer, academic staff and a careers service can operate in the best interests of students.

Edge Hill University and Enterprise Rent-A-Car's winning partnership

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:13:19 GMT

The partnership between Edge Hill University and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (ERAC) has developed over ten years and is grounded in the excellent relationships that exist between the employer and the institution's Careers Centre. Beginning with one-off visits by the employer to careers events, this has now progressed to the integration of ERAC into the curriculum across diverse academic disciplines including sport, geography and business.

UCLAN and Shanghai's winning partnership

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:12:55 GMT

This is designed to help interaction between Chinese and British students, to enhance British students' international experience and employability and entrepreneurship competence. It is a joint programme between UCLan Business School, Futures (UCLan's Careers and Employability Service) and Shanghai International Foreign Trade (SIFT).

Leicester's research shows benefit of placements

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:12:08 GMT

The Careers Service and the Department of Engineering at the University of Leicester conducted statistical research to investigate the relationship between engineering students undertaking a placement and improved academic performance.

Positive Futures for Northumbria graduates

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:11:13 GMT

Positive Futures – Developing Career Confidence in Challenging Times is a programme comprising a masterclass, workshops and coaching, developed by the Careers Service at Northumbria University to inspire recent graduates to approach their job seeking with confidence in their employability. It was developed in collaboration with the university's Enterprise Unit and Alumni Association.

Portsmouth opens Purple Door online

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:09:49 GMT

The Purple Door Careers and Recruitment website is central to the delivery of careers employability services offered at the University of Portsmouth, where there is increasing demand for 24/7 access to information and advice on career and employability issues from students and graduates.

Staff development success for Leeds

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:07:18 GMT

The Careers Centre Strategy Team at the University of Leeds, rather than solely increasing online provision to meet the challenges of the economic downturn, chose to train support staff to provide initial information and advice to students and graduates.

New paper highlights impact of permission to work regulations

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:23:42 GMT

A briefing paper analysing the implications of the closure of the Tier 1 Post-Study Work Scheme, and also of the new Tier 2 proposals, on universities and businesses in the UK has been published by Universities UK. The paper, Impact analysis of the closure of Tier 1 Post-Study Work Route, was produced following consultation with the AGCAS Internationalisation Task Group and university departments throughout the country.

Social mobility toolkit for the professions

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:07:25 GMT

Professions for Good, a public information campaign to which many professional bodies have signed up, is developing a Social Mobility Toolkit on behalf of the Gateways to the Professions Collaborative Forum and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

Sir Alex Ferguson's employability audit

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:48:46 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson this week celebrates 25 years as Manchester United manager. To be continually employed for a quarter of a century is quite an achievement, especially in a field where job security is rare. From a careers professional's point of view though, it's interesting to consider what would happen if, perhaps through no fault of his own, Sir Alex had to look for work. Would he readily find another position in the same or another field? Is he still employable?

AGCAS contributes to research into European graduate prospects

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:54:18 GMT

Research to inform policies aiming to improve the employment and career prospects of high-skilled graduates throughout Europe has been commissioned by the European Commission. Jane Standley, AGCAS Director of Products and Services and Director of SEECC (Student Employment, Experience and Careers Centre) at the University of Reading, represented AGCAS at a national seminar for key informants in the UK, organised by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), which is carrying out the research in partnership with Centro de Estudios Económicos Tomillo S.L. of Spain and the University of Trento and Istituto per la Ricerca Socialein Italy.

Mixed picture on graduate jobs front - HE careers services

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:27:57 GMT

University careers services across the UK have reported a mixed picture during the third quarter of 2011, both in the messages they are getting from employers and in the number of jobs they are advertising. While vacancies in some sectors are said to be up, there is increased competition for most positions.

Scottish Government proposals for post-16 education reform

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:47:29 GMT

The Scottish Government has set out proposals for wide wide-ranging reform of the full range of Government-funded post-16 education in Scotland. Proposals outlined in Putting Learners at the Centre, the Government’s pre-legislative paper that takes forward the discussion generated by their Green Paper: Building a Smarter Scotland, cover higher education, further education and skills, as well as community learning and development which is delivered by local authorities and the Third Sector.

Is there a shortage of scientists?

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:19:11 GMT

An article looking at some of the official concerns about the supply of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates has been published. Is there a shortage of scientists? A re-analysis of supply for the UK, published in the British Journal of Educational Studies, provides a summary of a series of recent research projects looking at the educational trajectories of prospective STEM professionals in the UK.

Revised matrix Standard launched

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:02:33 GMT

The revised matrix Standard was launched on 12 October 2011. The launch event was opened by Ian Greenaway, Chair of EMQC Ltd, and Dave Allan, Managing Director of EMQC Ltd, culminating with an address by John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning. AGCAS was represented by Lucy Madahar, Assistant Director of Student Services at Birmingham City University and AGCAS Director of Quality and Membership.

Vacancy for AGCAS Company Law Member

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:23:47 GMT

Nominations are invited from members of Plenary Committee (heads of service) for the role of AGCAS Company Law Member. AGCAS, the company, has eight Company Law Members. One of the existing members nominated by Plenary Committee has resigned from this position and we need a volunteer to fill this vacancy. The role provides an interesting career development opportunity and a chance to contribute to the success of AGCAS without it being an onerous responsibility.

Careers section of Education Bill 2011 - suggested amendments

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:24:27 GMT

The Education Bill 2010-2011 is now at the report stage in the House of Lords, where it is being examined line by line. The next meeting will take place on 18 October 2011. Among the proposed amendments are some concerning Section 27 on Careers Guidance in Schools In England.

Getting creative with CVs

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:26:40 GMT

Art and design students at North Hertfordshire College have been participating in a series of creative CV workshops. Led by AGCAS member Emma Bumpus, Careers Guidance Officer, participating students produced a range of interesting and very individual CVs as part of a BTEC personal development module.

Progress towards a National Careers Service for England

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:38:42 GMT

The National Careers Service Advisory Group, which was formed to advise government on its proposals to develop and implement a National Careers Service for England, met on Friday 7 October 2011. AGCAS was represented, with Communications and Marketing Manager, Chris Jackson, standing in for President, Anne-Marie Martin.

AGCAS and the Careers Profession Alliance

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:30:37 GMT

AGCAS has decided not to continue to be part of the Careers Profession Alliance (CPA). The AGCAS Board of Directors took the decision after consulting member services and taking into consideration their views and priorities.

Latest labour market statistics - AGCAS view

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:10:26 GMT

The latest unemployment statistics show how challenging the current UK labour market is for jobseekers. The worst ever figures for young people between the age of 16 and 24 are particularly concerning.

Fireworks and networks

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:21:38 GMT

The difference of opinion on brokering unpaid internships is just one example of tensions in the coalition government: Nick Clegg has condemned them, saying 'we want a fair job market based on merit, not networks'; David Cameron is 'very relaxed' about offering work placements to people he knows. Gill Frigerio, Course Director of the Management of Student Work Experience programme at The University of Warwick, considers the theory behind the recent debates on social mobility and asks if it really is all about who you know.

Access and widening participation within transnational education

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:20:53 GMT

Provision of quality education and a commitment to principles of social mobility and fair access, coupled with rising fee levels, can be a challenge to HEIs in their home country, but how are these addressed, if at all, at branch campuses abroad?

Showcasing skills through Sussex Plus

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:25:51 GMT

The Sussex Plus project at the University of Sussex began as a small pilot in 2009. Using Sussex Plus, users can create their own personalised 'webfolio', similar to an online CV, to demonstrate skills and achievements in an innovative way, which can help to give them a competitive edge when applying for jobs or postgraduate courses.

Edinburgh researches widening participation destinations

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:25:15 GMT

The University of Edinburgh is among the first HEI to have conducted research to examine what happens to students from under-represented groups after graduation. The aim of a 2008 pilot project was to determine if there were any significant differences in the move from university to employment between so-called 'traditional' students and students who entered university through a widening access route.

Canterbury launches media awards

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:23:44 GMT

Employability and Careers Services at Canterbury Christ Church University recently launched its first Media Campaign Awards, jointly organised with the Department of Media. The competition was the culmination of the efforts of second year media and cultural studies students working on volunteer projects with Kent-based charities.

Launch of Lifelong Learning Accounts

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:14:13 GMT

The government has launched Lifelong Learning Accounts - a free, personalised online service for adults that allows them to take greater control of their learning and working life by providing clear information and advice on skills, careers and financial support all in one place.

Biennial Conference 2011 photo gallery - day 1

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:28:41 GMT

Biennial Conference 2011 photo gallery - day 1

Biennial Conference 2011 photo gallery - day 2

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:30:10 GMT

Biennial Conference 2011 photo gallery - day 2

Biennial Conference 2011 photo gallery - day 3

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:32:00 GMT

Biennial Conference 2011 photo gallery - day 3

Biennial Conference 2011 photo gallery - Awards

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:33:09 GMT

Biennial Conference 2011 photo gallery - Awards

AGCAS bids farewell to Margaret

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:01:03 GMT

Margaret Dane has retired after almost 10 years as AGCAS Chief Executive. Her membership of AGCAS spans 34 years, including three as AGCAS President, as well as serving periods of office on a wide range of sub-committees and working groups.

The AGCAS Board is in the process of reviewing the structure of AGCAS to ensure that it continues to be as effective over the next ten years as it has in the last ten years. All AGCAS Heads of Service have received an invitation to participate in the initial stages of planning this future.

AGCAS celebrates Awards for Excellence winners

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:36:24 GMT

The results of the 2011 AGCAS Awards for Excellence have been announced. Winners were presented with their awards at an official ceremony and dinner, held at the East Midlands Conference Centre as part of the AGCAS Biennial Conference at The University of Nottingham, earlier this month.

The number of nominations received for each category is evidence of the high-quality, innovative and collaborative work taking place at AGCAS member services across the country.

Quality and Membership Committee vacancies

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:22:01 GMT

The AGCAS Quality and Membership Committee currently has five vacancies available. These vacancies have arisen as a result of members completing their term of office, as well as the AGCAS Board approving the increase in size of the committee group to address two key issues facing AGCAS and its members: quality of career management provision within HEIs; and a growing and diversified membership of AGCAS.

Opportunity to join the Internationalisation Task Group

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:14:28 GMT

A vacancy has arisen in the AGCAS Internationalisation Task Group. Applications are invited from members who possess expertise in and a passion for developing the employability of international students and home students with an international career focus.

Changes to permission to work for international students

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:52:15 GMT

From April 2012, the Tier 1 Post-Study Work Scheme will be closed and 'replaced' by a new provision under Tier 2 Sponsored Skilled Workers. Full details have not yet been announced by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and may not be released until as late as March 2012. The AGCAS Internationaisation Task Group is gathering examples of how all of these proposed changes will affect students, with a view to submitting evidence via Universities UK before April 2012.

Concerns over reduced careers services for young people

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:41:41 GMT

A group of experts has warned that government plans to reorganise careers services will be damaging to young people. Planned cuts will reduce the availability of face-to-face guidance to young people, with services confined to telephone and web-based services. The National Careers Service Advisory Group, formerly the Advisory Group on the All-Age Careers Service, have issued a press release outlining their concerns about the 'widespread destruction' of careers services for young people.

AGCAS announces Board election result

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:23:42 GMT

Following the recent poll of Associate Members of AGCAS, Jane Standley, Director of the Placement and Careers Centre at Brunel University, has been elected as the next Director of Products and Services on the AGCAS Board. Jane will take up her position on 1 August 2011 and will serve for a period of three years.

Jane will be joined on the Board by incoming AGCAS President-Elect, Paul Redmond, Head of Careers and Employability at the University of Liverpool. Paul will take up his position as AGCAS President from 1 August 2012.

Skills awards survey report published

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:18:26 GMT

The AGCAS Skills Awards Task Group would like to thank all colleagues who contributed to our online survey. We have now produced the initial data summary and we will be producing some further evaluation of free text comments later in the year.

AGCAS Awards for Excellence shortlists announced

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:15:54 GMT

The shortlisted nominations for the AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2011 have been announced. Nominations were received in 15 different categories for a wide range of projects from AGCAS member services in all parts of the UK.

Cautious welcome for graduate employment figures

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:10:36 GMT

The latest figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show a slight improvement in graduate employment outcomes over last year. They show that, within six months of graduating, 86% of 2009/10 UK leavers of higher education were either working or in further study, and 9% (down from 10% in 2008/9) were unemployed. Average salaries were unchanged at £19,000 (median) and £20,000 (mean).

HE white paper - AGCAS response

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:17:40 GMT

AGCAS welcomes the emphasis on employability and high-quality careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in the government's higher education white paper, published today. AGCAS believes that access to high-quality CEIAG should start at school and continue through and beyond college and university.

Careers provision for young people in England

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:53:43 GMT

Profound changes are taking place to the financing of and legislation covering the delivery of careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) to young people via schools, sixth forms, FE colleges and youth services in England. Things are moving very fast: the second reading in the Lords took place on 14 June, so there isn't much time to try to safeguard, let alone improve, the CEIAG on offer.

This article is intended to update members on what we're doing as an organisation, invite your feedback about what we should do next, and encourage you to take action yourself.

Employability Awards Case Study Series

Tue, 31 May 2011 09:37:55 GMT

The Skills and Employability Awards Task Group recently sent out a request across AGCAS for case studies, articles and resources, and following a hugely positive response from colleagues, we are pleased to launch our new Employability Awards Case Study Series.

Nottingham helps students dress for career success

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:36:14 GMT

The Centre for Career Development at the University of Nottingham recently hosted a fashion show to illustrate how students should present themselves in a variety of professional environments.

John Moores WoWs with skills certificate in Malaysia

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:11:00 GMT

The Graduate Development Centre at Liverpool John Moores University is working with Malaysia's largest public university, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), to deliver a one-year pilot programme, funded by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, to offer the World of Work (WoW®) Skills Certificate to 100 students.

Developing transferable skills in language students

Thu, 12 May 2011 09:37:16 GMT

Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin and Waterford Institute of Technology recently ran a project, Transferable Skills in Third-Level Modern Language Curricula, to raise undergraduate language students' awareness of their transferable skills and their competence in these skills.

Communicating EU careers

Thu, 12 May 2011 09:52:07 GMT

The Communicating EU Careers event held at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in October last year was attended by AGCAS member Fiona Christie, Senior Careers Consultant in Careers and Employability at the University of Salford. Speakers included the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, who addressed representatives from university language departments and careers services about the need to encourage graduates to consider a career in the European Union (EU).

Employability through languages

Thu, 12 May 2011 10:30:19 GMT

Peter Fox, Careers Adviser at Durham University Careers, Employability and Enterprise Centre, has been working with language departments to help spread the message about the importance of employability. As the modern languages link adviser, he recently delivered a session to staff on enhancing the employability of graduates from the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, exploring how crucial skills can be developed through course-related academic activities.

Student immigration: Developing employability and the economy, or a burden on society?

Thu, 12 May 2011 09:19:03 GMT

In the May 2011 issue of Phoenix, Yasmina Mallam-Hassam, Chair of the AGCAS Internationalisation Task Group, outlined the recent changes to the immigration system and explained how the new rules will affect AGCAS members in their work with international students.

Loughborough explores Chinese graduate employability

Thu, 12 May 2011 09:16:06 GMT

Loughborough University recently completed the first phase of a two-year project with Tsinghua University, Beijing, in China, looking at the employability of UK-educated Chinese graduates.

Writing CVs - support for international students

Thu, 12 May 2011 09:10:27 GMT

Carol Ellis, Careers Consultant at The College of Law, has been exploring the main issues facing international students drafting their CVs alongside UK/EEA contenders in a competitive jobs market.

Collaborative working to support international students

Thu, 12 May 2011 08:58:50 GMT

Staff at the University of Sheffield Careers Service have been working collaboratively with colleagues from other sections within the university, and organisations outside the university, to provide enhanced services to international students.

Operation Malta - employability advice for junior doctors

Thu, 12 May 2011 08:52:37 GMT

Charlene Binding, Senior Career Planning Adviser for the East Midlands Deanery, and Dr Pierre Ellul, Career Lead for the Malta Foundation Programme, discuss the rewards and challenges of integrating careers support into junior doctors' training in Malta.

Transfer of AGCAS qualifications to Warwick

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:39:30 GMT

AGCAS is delighted to announce that The University of Warwick has become the host institution for the AGCAS Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (CEIGHE) qualifications. From 1 August 2010 the AGCAS qualifications (at Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and MA level) will all be cared for by The University of Warwick’s Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL).

India visit report launched

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:47:17 GMT

AGCAS is very pleased to launch the report of the PMI 2 funded visit to India by representatives from AGCAS and NASES during February 2010. A team of nine careers professionals undertook a range of visits in three major cities: Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.