Kettering-based CJS Event Solutions (CJS) and the University of Northampton have launched a partnership initiative to provide work experience to event management students.
Those without relevant work experience often struggle to find employment in their chosen field, so the ‘Joining Up’ initiative has been targeted to bring direct benefits to communities, commerce and education.
Claire Leer, Senior Lecturer in Event Management and Tourism at the University, said: “The University of Northampton is keen to ensure that their graduates leave their education with a balance of knowledge and practical experience that will ensure they are best equipped for the work place. This partnership is a fantastic example of how the public and private sectors can work together to deliver the desired outcomes. I am sure it will prove to be an additional attraction to any students seeking a place on our events management course”.
The initiative was the brainchild of Kevin Shapland, Managing Director of CJS. “We have previously worked with the education system in Northamptonshire at all levels and, even when we may not have any current new employment on offer, have provided career advice and guidance to students. However, it has become increasingly common for CV’s to land on my desk from graduates across the country seeking employment where there has been no evidence of any relevantwork experience being undertaken during their period of study.
“As an employer these CV’s will always go to the bottom of the pile. My hope is that this partnership will help to address some of these issues.”
Joining Up will provide students with a mixture of paid and voluntary opportunities to increase their practical experience not only with the University and CJS but also with other partners who have agreed to support this initiative, including Kettering Conference Centre; Boughton House; Kents Hill Park Conference and Training Centre; Holiday Inn Corby; Chelsea Hire; Holiday Inn Express, Kettering; and Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited.
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