Supporting local students. An evaluation of the Office for Students Challenge Competition: Industrial strategy and skills support for local students and graduates'

Abstract

This paper explores the image of the OfS' funding competition for universities and colleges looking for innovative ways to help students find graduate-level employment close to home. Universities, colleges and employers are found to be taking steps to provide students with skills and knowledge to enhance their employability in their local areas, with 89 per cent of student participants positive about their engagement. The evaluation shows that 89 per cent of student or graduate participants were positive about their participation and 87 per cent of employers participating in the programme reported that their participation had brought value to their business. Through the projects, students have gained confidence in their ability to pursue their desired career, developed clarity of career intention, employability technical skills, and an understanding of local labour markets. Employers found that the project improved recruitment processes supporting graduate applicants from diverse backgrounds and improved awareness of the value of employing graduates. The project also improved market insights, particularly relating to young people’s perspectives and interests, and created new skills leading to business improvements, notably technical and digital skills