Students are looking for their course to offer a larger skill set than just a qualification. With a failing economy and dwindling job prospects (The Times top 100 graduate employers cut enrolments by 15% this past year), students crave security. They expect their courses to add value and offer practical skills, work experience and opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
Image source: The Student Room
Even at the research stage, 66% of students are looking for information about work experience within their course. They know the pandemic has changed the available opportunities.
This need is also reflected in the rise of apprenticeship interest, up 45% in UCAS’s Career Finder Search in the last 12 months. Plus 30% of prospective students (in UCAS’s survey) considering other alternative routes to employment.
This is further echoed in employers seeking graduates with transferable skills.
