Work experience awards call for nominations

As part of National Student Employment Week, from 16 to 20 February, students, employers and colleges alike are urged to nominate organisations for the National Council for Work Experience Awards.

The NCWE Awards were developed to recognise, encourage and reward employers who are taking the lead in the provision of valuable opportunities for students and setting high standards for others to follow.

The National Association of Student Employment Services (NASES) is hosting events across the UK for National Student Employment Week, bringing together students and employers, making it the ideal time to think about rewarding those employers which lead the way for work experience.

Winner of last yearís Award for organisations with fewer than 250 employees, Tony Gee and Partners (TGP), was nominated by the University of Surrey. Bob Spackman, partner at TGP, says about the Award: ìThe responses to our trophy have been positive, both externally and internally. As a company we commit a substantial budget to our work experience programme and we all put in considerable time to make it successful, so itís great to have that commitment recognised by the NCWE.î

Bob continues: ìHalf the students we take on for work experience placements go on to become full time employees of TGP. It is by far the most effective way of finding the right people for our future. We have developed excellent relationships with four HE colleges, who source impressive candidates for our placements. After fourteen years, we have a smooth running and effective work experience system in place.î

NCWE director Liz Rhodes adds: ìWork experience is fast becoming the way forward for both employers and students. National Student Employment Week really focuses attention on work experience, and we are seeking to recognise those organisations which set the standard, and encourage others to give it serious thought.î

Nominations are invited from students, careers advisers, university departments or the organisations providing the work placements. For an entry form, anyone interested should call 0161 277 5345 or email workexperience@prospects.ac.uk. The closing date for entries is 26 March 2004.

Further information about NCWE and the Awards log on to