Bridge the Experience Gap
Many graduates find it hard to get the experience they need to get that first job.
There are lots of schemes that allow you bridge the experience gap with paid placements. They are a great opportunity to work on a specific project whilst earning a decent wage and many placements lead onto permanent work.
All placement providers advertise vacancies on Gradsouthwest, or you can follow the links to view the opportunities from their website.
Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP)
UCP aims to place talented graduates with progressive Cornish companies to work on business development projects. Graduates gain invaluable experience and a competitive salary, and are supported by the UCP project team and an experienced mentor.
Check out UCP's current vacancies
Devon Graduate Business Partnerships (GBP's)
GBP’s offer the opportunity to make a real contribution to a Devon business whilst gaining experience that enhances your CV and future prospects. Each placement lasts 20 weeks with a minimum salary of £300 per week. You will work on a real business project and benefit from a ten day business training course.
"I would highly recommend GBP to other graduates as it has helped me gain confidence in my work, and has allowed me to have invaluable hands on experience in a busy working environment."Lisa Taylor, GBP Graduate with BA Hons Public Relations and Media
Check out GBP's current vacancies from the University of Exeter
Check out GBP's current vacancies from the University of Plymouth
Dorset STRIDE
STRIDE placement graduates are based in a company to undertake work that the employer may not normally have the time or resources to complete. You could be involved in a very specific project which could increase your special skills. You will gain valuable experience for your CV and you never know, the employer may take you on as a permanent recruit!
You will be paid at least £5.85ph and the wealth of work experience that you will gain could support you in finding the right job!
Check out STRIDE's current vacancies
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP's)
KTP’s provide challenging employment and personal development opportunities to graduates throughout the UK. Graduates are appointed to manage projects central to the development needs of companies.
Competition is fierce, but KTP’s offer a great opportunity to apply your qualification to your own project within a business whilst earning a competitive salary. KTP’s usually last for 2 years, during which you which you benefit from mentoring.
"KTP is a fantastic opportunity to launch a career. It offers the full package - a graduate salary, academic support and management skills."Emmanuel Odofin, KTP Associate with Beran Instruments and the University of Plymouth
Why KTP? – Video and Audio Podcast
Check out KTP's current vacancies
Graduate Talent Pool
Graduate Talent Pool is a new service that matches graduates with internship opportunities.
Getting an internship through Graduate Talent Pool is one way of building on the skills you gained at university. It can also give you real life work experience, let you try your hand at a possible career, and prove yourself to a potential employer.
Training
Careers Services in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset offer the Peninsula Graduate Training Programme. This includes short focused skills training on a wide variety of topics from understanding finance to your workplace image and everything in between.
Workshops are open to all recent graduates – whether you’re unemployed, under-employed or simply wanting training that your employer can’t provide.
Most workshops are free but some providers may make a nominal charge.
