A new earn-as-you-learn scheme for students is being launched by Katie Bard recruitment in Birmingham to help students fund their studies, reduce their debt and to provide them with commercial skills which will help them secure a foot on the career ladder on graduation.
ëEarn as you learní is currently being piloted by Katie Bard, which has hired 21-year-old student Damian Leese to work part-time during his final year at Birmingham University.
However, in October, the scheme will be rolled out across the UK. It will be adopted by other recruitment consultancy businesses within the Angela Mortimer group and offered to the companyís UK clients, who will be encouraged to open their doors to students as well.
Earn-as-you-learn is the brainchild of Katie Bard Divisional Leader Chris Knowles, who had seen an increasing number of students graduating with huge amounts of debt and a lack of skills or work experience. Earlier this year, research from NatWest bank, stated that students starting university now would graduate with almost 15,000 debt on average. Furthermore, debt is the main cause of university drop out rates.
Chris Knowles comments, ìThe steep rise in the number of graduates over the past few years means that competition for jobs is tougher than ever. If employers are going to expect graduates to have relevant commercial, ICT and communication skills, then they need to proactively provide this experience. This means opening their doors to students and offering them relevant employment opportunities while they are still at university.î
A survey of graduates commissioned by Angela Mortimer in May 2006 revealed that work experience and learning new skills are the top priorities for 75% of first jobbers and 75% of respondents were willing to work for free to gain work experience.
ìEarn as you learn provides the answer to the graduate skills gap but equally provides financial support that students desperately need to pay for their tuition fees. Businesses benefit too ñ they have bright, motivated staff to support them and they have the opportunity to train and hopefully retain top talent by offering students trainees full time employment on graduation,î Knowles continued.
Damian Leese has started his third year reading History at Birmingham University. During his summer break, he worked at Katie Bard as a business co-ordinator, and he will continue his employment throughout his final year. He is a permanent, part-time employee on a competitive salary.
Damian says: ìWorking at Katie Bard is a great opportunity for me to learn valuable business skills, while at the same time earning enough money to keep my student debt in check. When I graduate next year, I will be in the fortunate position of being able to offer potential employers a full year of work experience on top of my degree.î
New Earn as you Learn Scheme for Students
New Earn as you Learn Scheme for Students to Reduce Graduate Debt and Bridge Skills Gap
