employer engagement manager Review

Managing a team of careers officers delivering first line support to students/graduates looking for jobs - CV and CL review, getting started with job search. Working with employers with vacancies to offer, carrying out quality checks on vacancies to minimise fraud. Supporting academic colleagues with labour market information. Delivering careers events - large scale multi discipline events, smaller School based events. Managing the transition from one CRM to a new platform. Deputising for Head of Careers when appropriate.

There are lots of internal training opportunities at UCLan - on the HR systems and on LinkedIn learning. We're encouraged to take professional development courses throughout the year and expected to demonstrate this at the appraisal points. This year has focussed mainly on developing and mastering online webinar platforms and delivering short courses to mitigate a stakeholder need - adjusting to the new labour market, online interviews, homeworking alongside the usual offers of CV, application forms, interviews etc

I really enjoy the programme. Sometimes there have been challenges with facilities relating to timetabling. Studying and working in the same place helps as I can point fellow students to resources that they are looking for. The mixed group of ages and organisations makes an interesting learning culture as we all face similar challenges but our organisations deal with things differently - reminding me that a challenge is solved by a team not an individual for a good outcome

Our hardworking tutor is a marvel. Even with a busy schedule, she is accessible and supportive. Tutors have a background in the commercial world matching the subject they are teaching and this real world experience is valuable as it enriches the discussions in class. The library is open 24/7 so it is really easy to access as an apprentice not being on campus every day. Apart from timetabling issues which are out of the course team control, everything is great.

My line manager is very supportive, however due to staff reductions keeping my Wednesdays free is more of a challenge. Our HR team is very hands off. All staff members I have approached for support have been very accessible and helpful. I have never approached the SU or student support for guidance with problems but I do know how to reach out if I need to. There is very little communication from the SU to apprentices.

I have Wednesdays allocated to the CMDA. Occasionally I need to return to work for an all staff training session or staff meeting. During the summer when we have fewer staff available I am working on my qualification and 'in work' at the same time balancing priorities. This isn't a problem - balancing priorities and making decisions is a big part of my job and I like the variety. When I need a study day I know I can take one.

Managing a team and engaging in effective communication has been really helped by this programme. It has given me the confidence to dip into resources to help manage a challenge and focus on an effective outcome. In terms of putting theory into practice, my leadership skills have been improved and my confidence certainly has improved. Finding information in our shared organisation resources has improved as our Sharepoint site is a challenge and doing my assignments has given me a reason to track resources down.

Within Careers we are quite a social bunch and this has transferred to a weekly fun activity during lockdown. Our daily team meetings have kept us in touch with each other. UCLan staff have a charity day to work on something in the local community if we want to take it up. There is a sports centre we can use which is subsidised for staff. There are lots of events on campus we can go along to if we want to.

Yes

It's a friendly place to work. Flexi time is a bonus to manage a healthy work life balance. It is a 'sheltered' society in many ways - there is wholehearted support for equal opportunities, LBGTQ+ friendly, BME friendly and strict protocols about bullying and harassment - not a conscious decision to behave well, more an unspoken agreement that this is the only way to behave. Not always the sentiments mirrored in society at large (very sadly)

Make sure you fill in the application form properly! As someone who frequently participates in recruitment panels, I do see some very poor applications from applicants who have not read the 'application guidance'. If your evidence is not on the form you will not be interviewed. Saying 'I'll tell you how suitable I am at the interview' will not work as there is no written evidence to support your selection for interview. It might be a blunt tool but it gives everyone an equal opportunity.