Keele University has recently hosted the first meeting of its Employer Advisory Group – a regular forum of employer representatives from businesses and not for profit organisations of all sizes across a number of sectors.

The purpose of the group is to advise the University and share best practice concerning what employers demand and expect from university students and graduates. By working with such employers, Keele will be able to ensure that it produces talented individuals that are fully prepared for the world of work.

The first meeting, which took place in June at Keele Hall, included a diverse range of employers such as PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Siemens, NHS England, Bet365, Sibelco, Strategi Solutions, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Pedddle, with attendees reacting positively to Keele’s new approach to employability and employer engagement.

Julie Downey from NHS England described the first meeting as “very interesting and informative,” whilst Sally Cantello from Sibelco UK was sure that the group would “go from strength to strength.” Jayne Reilly from PricewaterhouseCoopers was pleased to be part of the new forum, relishing the opportunity “to see how [PwC] might best support Keele students.”

Terry Dray, Associate Director for Employability and Employer Engagement at Keele University, commented: “Employer engagement is a strategic priority. We are keen to provide employers with sector-leading services and co-design and co-deliver career development provision for students with them. The Group will act as a critical friend, helping us to deliver employability and academic programmes for our students that are employer and labour market informed. Our first meeting was very successful and I look forward to many others.”

For further information about how businesses and employers can benefit from Keele University’s talented students and graduates, or to get involved in shaping their curriculum, please visit www.keele.ac.uk/talent. For details about Keele’s other business support opportunities, please visit www.keele.ac.uk/business.