Bristol re-launches employability skills awards

Bristol University has re-launched an awards scheme designed to recognise students' extra-curricular activities and help them develop vital employability skills.

The Bristol PLuS Awards are endorsed by 17 top graduate recruiters including the NHS, Rolls-Royce, Airbus and Cancer Research UK.

Participants in the scheme are expected to complete 50 hours of work experience either as a volunteer, intern or part-time employee.

They must also attend four workshops covering employability skills such as interview techniques, take part in intensive skills development days and write a summary of the attributes they have developed.

Popular graduate recruiters Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers have been involved in delivering the skills development days, which offer guidance on leadership, communication and teamwork.

Caring for a friend or relative is also recognised by the scheme, which means mature and part-time students can gain formal recognition for their efforts outside of their university commitments.

Exceptional performers can gain the Bristol PLuS Outstanding Award, which involves giving a presentation to a panel of employers, academics and Careers Service staff. To be eligible, candidates must demonstrate high levels of project, people and resource management, as well as strong commercial awareness.

In addition, there is the Sporting PLuS Award, which aims to encourage employer-friendly sporting accomplishments such coaching a youth team.

This year also sees the introduction of the Bristol PLuS Sustainability Award, which encourages participants to dedicate half of their work experience hours to activities with a positive social, environmental or ethical impact.

Last year, 812 students registered for the awards, up 75 per cent on 2010.

Bristol University careers advisor Sarah Whittam said: "It's been really encouraging to see the rise in the number of students taking part. They see it as a worthwhile scheme to complement their studies and help them to get on the career ladder.

"Employers are much more demanding than they used to be. They want more than a degree, they want evidence of life and work experience and the Bristol PLuS Awards are designed to formalise these extra-curricular achievements."