Developing graduate employability through partnerships with industry and professional associations

Employability skills are changing, shaped by economic and market demands, at a time when supply of graduates exceeds demand and many graduates struggle to find full-time employment. Employers frequently report that graduates do not have the requisite employability skills. While professional bodies encourage teaching staff to engage with the discipline they have noted declining participation rates of academics. The development of graduate employability within the student cohort is both complex and challenging for all stakeholders. For the purpose of this study 'employability' includes the skills required to obtain a new position and those required to maintain existing employment.