While there are many reasons why people decide to go to university, most see it as a stepping stone to a chosen career, a place where they will expand their knowledge and gain the skills and qualifications needed to be successful. But if the theoretical knowledge they acquire from their course doesn’t match industry requirements, they could find themselves locked out of their chosen field. So how can universities ensure that graduates are employment-ready?
During a recent Guardian Labs seminar, the issue was discussed by two pro vice-chancellors from the University of Derby and the senior vice president for economic partnerships at Rolls-Royce, the aerospace and defence company. They homed in on the importance of universities forming strong partnerships with industry, both locally and globally, and discussed how that looks in practice – an approach that has been mastered at Derby.
