ULSTER University is calling for nominations to find Northern Ireland’s number one placement employer.
The university’s Placement Employer of the Year Awards celebrate the dedication of local businesses, across all sectors, in providing students with the skills to let them apply their academic knowledge to real-life practice.
Explaining why work placements are vital to ensure the future generation is fully equipped to thrive in industry, both locally and internationally, Seamus McConomy, Work Experience Development Manager at Ulster University, said: “First-hand experience is an important aspect in producing industry-ready graduates while allowing employers to get an insight into the future generation, who will drive the economic growth of their companies.
“The awards are a way for Ulster University to showcase and celebrate the achievements of businesses shaping the future for our graduates.
“We are calling on Ulster University students and staff from our employer partners, in both the private and public sector, to submit nominations that show their exemplary commitment to the professional and personal growth of our students and graduates.”
Nick Gray, Division Director at Liberty IT, winner of last year’s over 50 employees category, said: “We have developed a very successful business over the last 18 years and our placements have played a huge part in this. “With 90% of them returning this year as graduates, 100% of whom achieved a first class honours degree, we very much consider them our future talent.”
Meanwhile, the Minister for Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry, has launched a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Careers Booklet.
The booklet, produced by the STEM Business Group, aims to support young people who are making choices about future courses and careers in STEM subjects.