Workshop helps North Devon graduates find employment

24th October 2013

North Devon has a growing number of people who have successfully achieved degrees, yet remain unemployed or are underutilising their skills as they are not yet in a graduate level job, according to North Devon+, the chief economic delivery agency for North Devon and Torridge.

With the competition for jobs at an all time high, the challenge for any job seeker is getting your CV or application noticed and securing that elusive interview with, or introduction to, an employer.

To support local graduates in finding work or moving up the career ladder, a Graduate Workshop is being held in Barnstaple Library on 7 November. Jobcentre Plus has joined together with the University of Exeter, the Employment & Skills Board, North Devon+, National Careers Service and local employers and recruitment experts to offer guidance to those with degrees. All age groups are welcome and whether you recently completed your degree, or studied a few years ago, there will be something on offer to support you in your search.

Last year thirty-two graduates that were out of work or looking for a change of career attended this event and since then, one third have successfully found graduate level employment.

This year the event starts with an Employer Masterclass that gives graduates an insight into how an employer considers your application, including a presentation entitled ‘which CV’s go straight in the bin and why?’.

Recruitment specialists from Barclays Bank and North Devon Homes will be joined by Mole Valley Farmers. A local graduate who has secured an internship will also join the panel. Employers will share recruitment horror stories and successes and there will be an opportunity to ask the panel questions.

Following this session, there are a variety of workshops on offer. Attendees can learn all about the University of Exeter’s graduate internship scheme, referred to as a Graduate Business Partnership or GBP. The University’s Employer Liaison Officer, Jo McCreedie will look at the types of paid roles you can apply for and you’ll learn where you can find other advertised graduate vacancies and how to make an effective application.

Jerry Bix from North Devon+ is a SFEDI-accredited business and social enterprise adviser who will be asking whether self-employment may be a better option for graduates. He’ll discuss the realities of starting, and then making a success of a business in North Devon.  If you already have an idea, what are the first steps you need to take and how do you shape your idea to make it actually happen?   What will you need, what are common pitfalls, what help is out there and is it worth all the effort?

The National Careers Service will be offering guidance on making speculative approaches to prospective employers on paper, on-line and through networking.  This workshop will help graduates understand how their initial approach to a business can make a difference to the outcome. Additional one-to-one advice sessions to help assess your skills, talk through your ideas and prepare for job interviews will also be bookable on the day.

Networking opportunities will be available throughout the afternoon. The Graduate Workshop will be held on Thursday 7 November 2013, from 1.00 – 4.30pm at Barnstaple Library. To book your place, or for further information, email Gary at the Barnstaple Jobcentre: gary.martin1@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors:

For more information, contact Emma Parker or Liz Waugh at Coast Communications on 07944 360631 / 07966 388921 / main office 01752 847135.

About North Devon+
North Devon+ is the chief economic delivery agency for North Devon and Torridge.  We aim to deliver positive change, creating a more productive economy and more prosperous communities.  Our role is to ensure our area thrives as a place in which to live, learn, work and visit.  Our primary focus is on regeneration, tourism and business development.  We work with Torridge District Council, North Devon Council, Devon County Council and the private sector to deliver projects and initiatives that encourage and support business growth, improve quality of life, and address social and economic inequalities.  North Devon is a member of the National Enterprise Network.  To find out more visit www.northdevonplus.co.uk

Tags: