I have just read a survey funded by HEFCE that states: “Only 32% of UK students undertook an internship or work placement, compared with 87% of students in the Netherlands and 84% in France.” And yet a recent CBI report showed that “78% of businesses thought employability skills were ‘amongst the most important factors to consider when recruiting graduates’.
Everyone knows work experience is becoming more and more of a differentiator for graduates when job hunting. Yes it tough to find work in the curent climate, but Universities who are making industrial placements optional, to give both the Institution and students an easier time, are in the long run letting the student down.
Higher Education needs to send out a clear and consistent message that work experience adds to learning and helps students acheive their ambitions on leaving University faster.
