Employer Advisory Groups
Employer Advisory Group, University of Plymouth School of Computing, Communication and Electronics
Our Industry Liaison Group comprises major employers in the region (public and private sector, large and small), a sector advisor from the South West Regional Development Agency and academic staff. We meet two to three times a year to discuss aspects of curriculum, skill requirements, sector change, etc.
“Although time consuming to set up, this group now runs itself. I have employers coming to me now asking when is the next meeting and employers who aren't involved asking to join your group”.Dr Andy Phippen, Senior Lecturer, University of Plymouth
While the original nature of this work was to better inform our curriculum of sector change, it soon became clear that it also provides an opportunity for senior people from different organisations to come together in a neutral location to discuss issues facing the sector in the region. We academics have learnt a lot simply by sitting back and listening.
The group was established about three years ago and the spin offs have been significant:
- Employers now have a contact point within the university
- It has helped with graduate recruitment
- It is used to promote the department to prospective students at open days and for those interested in continuing professional development
- new employer sponsored prizes have been established
- On a more general level there is a greater sector cohesion across the South West
The investment needed to set up this group has definitely been worthwhile. Our liaison group now lies at the heart of a lot of other business engagement activities.
Tips
- Make your group regional as it will be easier for employers to attend
- It can be very difficult for employers to approach higher education institutions ‘cold’ and so you will need somebody to go out and about to meet them and discuss their requirements
- Don't approach employers with the attitude of using this to "sell" something – to be effective this type of group has to be mutually beneficial. Income opportunities will come once relationships are established
- Choose somebody enthusiastic to chair and co-ordinate. This is not something that can be passed to a junior member of staff to be told to get a group together without the support of senior people
- Talk to your Business Relations Department as they are likely to have many company contacts who might provide places to start
- Don't involve too many academic staff in the meetings - use internal mechanisms to disseminate across the department
Pitfalls
The main warning I would give is not to approach companies looking for money. That will not happen initially and it will put employers off - you need to appeal to their needs; employers need graduates to meet their needs, being a member of a liaison group helps them achieve this.
Resources
- Financial: Little financial resource is needed aside from travel to companies for initial liaison and some funds for refreshments at meetings.
- Time: Lots of front loading by a staff member willing to engage
