University's work placement scheme in running for national award

An initiative at Coventry University designed to help students secure work placements is up for a prestigious national award after running for only two years.

The EC Futures programme – which arranges one year industry internships for students in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing – emerged from over 350 entries to be one of five shortlisted for the 'Best University Placement Service' accolade at next month's National University Employability Awards.

Over 300 undergraduates on courses from aerospace engineering to ethical hacking have been helped on to work placements by the EC Futures initiative over the last 18 months, including with companies such as Rolls-Royce, GE Aviation, Intel and the BBC.

As part of the EC Futures programme, staff also offer one-to-one advice to students on CV writing, covering letters, interview preparation and psychometric testing – all with a view to boosting their job prospects come graduation.

Further activities organised through the initiative include an annual careers fair in March featuring around 40 companies, dedicated modules run in conjunction with IBM and Intel, presentations from local employers such as Aston Martin and a mock assessment centre run by the Royal Navy.

In the past year Coventry University rose 13 places to 33rd in the Guardian University Guide 2014, was awarded the 'Modern University of the Year' accolade by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014, and it ranked in the top 15 of all universities in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the 2013 National Student Survey.

Mike Grey, EC Futures team leader at Coventry University, said:

The EC Futures team is always aiming to stand out and come up with innovative ways to give Coventry University students an edge in the job market when they graduate. This nomination is wonderful news for us, and recognises the fantastic results we've achieved in the relatively short time since we started up.

As a university we've developed many excellent relationships over the years with employers who are continually impressed with the calibre of our students, and the EC Futures team is delighted to be strengthening that reputation.

The annual National University Employability Awards – now in their fifth year – celebrate universities and departments which have "gone over and above the call of duty" in helping to engage students in undergraduate work opportunities. This year's awards will take place in London on Friday 7th March, where the winners of four separate accolades – including 'Best University Placement Service' – will be announced.

For further information, please contact Alex Roache, external press and media relations officer, Coventry University, on +44 (0)24 7765 5050 or email alex.roache@coventry.ac.uk.