Employers Fair showcases LJMU's strong links to industry and its first-class career support

Hundreds of students have gained a first-hand look at the extensive and important links the University has with high-profile companies across the sectors of engineering, technology and science.

Students from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology were able to engage directly with over a hundred of the country’s top employers at an Employers Fair held at the legendary Adelphi Hotel.

Highlighting its first class career support, LJMU opened the doors for students to a range of national and international companies including Kier, Balfour, Vauxhall Motors, Fujitsu, Dell, Barclays, Royal Navy and the Army Careers Centre.

Employers/exhibitors promoted a variety of graduate employment, internships, undergraduate placements and work experience opportunities. There were also exhibitors promoting international opportunities including work, volunteering and study.

Professor Ahmed Al-Shamma’a, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology said: “The Employers Fair was the perfect opportunity for all our undergraduates and Master’s students to gain a sense of the varied organisations recruiting and the range of different roles that can be applied for. It also allowed students to speak directly with companies in a relaxed and informal setting and find out more about what the organisation offers by way of placements and graduate schemes.

“The event showcases the tremendous connectivity we have with industry and the high level of career support Liverpool John Moores University can offer to its students across a range of disciplines within the Faculty. It is also the ideal chance for students to develop their networking skills, as well as obtaining information necessary to make informed decisions about their future.”

Also on hand was LJMU’s World of Work team who set up a CV Clinic to provide advice on writing the perfect curriculum vitae. Jenny Hammond, employability advisor, saw a steady stream of students come for advice throughout the morning. She said: “Students have responded really well to our advice and information, particularly in tailoring CVs for different job opportunities. That combination of University-led expertise and advice from employers directly has been very beneficial, giving students more confidence in which direction to head in when applying for work opportunities.”

Josh Kane, an electrical engineer working for Cheshire Energy Hub, a multi-employer partnership between several leading international Cheshire-based organisations, spoke with students about placement opportunities and 2017 graduate programme. He commented: “The Cheshire Energy Hub is passionate about developing the careers of the very best engineers, scientists and commercial graduates. We’ve a range of companies recruiting including EA Technology and Scottish Power, and we can provide a unique foundation for professional, personal and career development in the power and energy sector.

“The interest from students so far has been strong, they’ve seemed much focused on what they want to do and engaged in all the opportunities we can provide. They’ve been asking a lot of questions about how the programme works, how much time is spent in each company and what the requirements are. An event like this is perfect as it gives them a platform to really speak with us one on one.”

Lisulo Sitali, a graduate civil engineer in his second year on the AECOM graduate scheme was on hand to talk to students about what the company can offer in terms of world-class skills and experience in professional engineering, consulting and project management services for infrastructure projects. “I’ve had a lot of interest from students of civil and mechanical engineering, and quantity surveying,” said Ligulo. “All have been keen to learn more about the Graduate programme and how the application process works. Given my experience on the programme I was able to give them a flavour of what they can expect and the professional and social aspects of working for the company.”

Nick Bailey and Natasha Dayes, a building surveyor and project manager respectively from Faithful and Gould, a building consultancy based in Warrington, were both impressed with the professionalism and interest from students enquiring about placements and the three-year graduate programme the company provides. Nick commented: “We’ve seen a good spread of people today quizzing us and asking for more details, particularly about the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) programme which provides the skills and knowledge critical in achieving a sound understanding and continued success in the construction industry. We take on 350 graduates each year and our reputation means there is a high demand for a place on the programme.”

Exhibitors from Advanced, a Software Development company based in Knutsford currently has 3 LJMU graduates working across the business in IT support, Sales and Information Systems. George Anderson, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner said: “We take on 650 graduates each year for roles across the business and can offer in-house training, support and strong career development opportunities. For example, our graduate software sales executives are providing a range of innovative and creative ideas to draw in new business opportunities through in-depth market research. Our graduates are taught the sales process, become effective communicators and we continue to invest in their development through our Talent Development programme.”

LJMU’s Paul Dawson, an Engagement Officer at the World of Work Careers Centre took the opportunity to promote the University’s internship programme at the event. LJMU will deliver internship opportunities for up to 220 students and graduates this year in a range of companies from bigger organisations to SMEs. He said: “Around 90% of companies in Merseyside are SME’s so it’s ideal for them to take on student interns; the student gains hands-on practical experience working on a suitable project while providing invaluable support to the companies. Awareness around the importance of internships is growing fast as students nowadays know they need to have that important work-based experience as employers want to see more than just a degree during the recruitment process.”

Speaking after the event, a second year BEng Civl Engineering student Calan Cotcher was impressed with the range of companies LJMU were able to bring to him and his fellow students. He commented: “It’s definitely been useful and worth attending. There were some really interesting companies working across different sectors and I found out more about routes into work, what they’re looking for and how they can help progress your career in a specific field. I also obtained more information around placements for my sandwich year and Erasmus opportunities.”