Experience counts: Sectors unite to launch new venture for students – 5 July 2017

NCUB, Unite Students and Jisc announce partnership to create national register of student work experience opportunities.

In a move to help students find the right work experience, the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), Unite Students and Jisc have joined forces. The partnership will work with universities to develop a unique matchmaking service aimed at bringing together businesses, charities and students to build a mutually beneficial connection.

Creation of a digital platform for the service will give students easy access to work experience opportunities across the country and the NCUB has already integrated the working prototype with career service systems with partnering universities.

David Docherty, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) said:

“We are delighted to be working with Unite Students, and Jisc to level the playing field in giving university students equal access to opportunities, help universities provide a wider range of experience for their students and give business access to a more diverse talent pool.”

Research shows that graduates with work experience are more likely to be employed, have increased confidence, attain better classifications of degree, and get a better job faster. The work experience platform will create a national pool of work experiences, particularly for students from disadvantages backgrounds.

The partnership will be working with business to provide a range of working experience opportunities for undergraduates across the UK.

Richard Smith, CEO of Unite Students said:

“We provide a home to over 50,000 students across the UK and our research has identified that employability is an increasingly important issue for students, so the timing of this project couldn’t be better. We’re excited to be working the NCUB and Jisc to improve access to work experience opportunities for students and know that it will benefit both students and the business community alike.”

Paul Feldman, Chief Executive of Jisc said:

“This is an exciting venture to be involved in and one that will help to support universities deliver a joined-up, enriched experience for their students. We know from the recent results of our digital student experience survey of 22,000 students, just how valuable work experience will be in increasing their understanding of the digital skills they need for the workplace.”

NOTES

The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB)
Inspiring universities and business to work together for growth and prosperity.
A membership not-for-profit organisation, bringing together leaders from across higher education and business to tackle issues of shared interest.

Jisc
Jisc is the UK higher, further education and skills sectors’ not-for-profit organisation or digital services and solutions.

• operate shared digital infrastructure and services
• negotiate sector-wide deals with IT vendors and commercial publishers
• provide trusted advice and practical assistance for universities, colleges and learning providers.

Unite Students
Unite Students is the UK’s largest and most established manager and developer of purpose-built student accommodation. It provides a home for around 50,000 students, in more than 140 properties, across 28 leading university cities across the UK. Unite works in partnership with more than 60 Higher Education institutions and since foundation in 1991 has housed more than half a million students.

For further information please contact:

Shivaun Meehan, Head of Communications, NCUB
T: +44 (0)20 7383 8193   M: 07989 567826
E: Shivaun.meehan@ncub.co.uk

Allison Parkes-Norris, External Communications Manager, Unite Students
E: allison.parkes-norris@unitestudents.com

Emily Jones, Media relations manager, Jisc
E: Emily.Jones@jisc.ac.uk