GRADUATES fearful of poor job prospects are being given a boost through a new University of Chester scheme.
The Graduate Head Start (GHS) programme targets recent graduates who are looking for employment or want to develop professionally in their current workplace.
It is open to both those who have studied at Chester and other universities and have returned to the North West.
Over four days, graduates learn how to refine their career ideas, market themselves effectively and to identify their personal and workplace skills.
Project co-ordinator Sally Harding said: “The GHS programme has had continued success, the flexible nature of the programme allowing graduates to fit it in alongside their other commitments. We would urge graduates who are yet to find employment or are underemployed to participate in the programme.”
Those taking part will receive expert one-to-one guidance and coaching from a careers consultant and have the option of undertaking a developmental project during a five-week placement with a local employer.
They can also undertake the internationally recognised European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) qualification as well as a Business Skills and Professional Development module, leading to 20 credits at Masters Level.
Chris Goodwin, who took part in the programme in September, said: “I found the programme very helpful. The GHS team were friendly and professional and the course content gave me more confidence when I attended my next interview. The skills I learnt on the GHS programme have helped me to find a job and I am now teaching in an outstanding school in the Midlands.”
The dates of the next courses are: February 16, 17, 18 and 24; March 22, 24, 25 and 31; April 12, 14, 15 and 21 and May 17, 19, 20 and 26.
For more information call 01244 513066 e-mail careers@chester.ac.uk or go to www.chester.ac.uk/careers/ graduate-head-start