The University of Leeds introduced Employability Progression Assistants to address the varying needs of students in their career development journey. Recognising that not all students have the same level of preparedness for university life and the job market, these assistants offer tailored information and resources for students on the University of Leeds’ Plus Programme.
Their role is crucial in ensuring that all students, regardless of their starting point, have access to the resources and guidance needed to progress successfully in their academic and professional pursuits.
Who are the Employability Progression Assistants?
Our Employability Progression Assistants (EPAs) are key contributors within the Careers Service at the University of Leeds, actively engaging in the development and implementation of employability-enhancing activities. They focus on providing inclusive and equitable support, particularly for students involved in the Plus Programme and widening participation initiatives.
Karen Shaw, Mentoring and Widening Participation Manager in the Careers Service at Leeds, explains their role: “The EPAs support our strategic objectives in support of the Progression Pillar of the Access and Student Success strategy, the Students and Opportunities and Futures Strategy, plus the Leeds Connections Framework. We recognise that students have unique ideas about what success means to them, and that not everyone enters university with the same tools to achieve their ambitions.
By developing the EPA initiative, we aim to provide an inclusive and accessible offer for equitable progression, via online and in-person interventions and activities.
All EPAs are recent Leeds graduates from underrepresented backgrounds, they understand just how overwhelming career planning can feel, and are ideally placed to support our target groups to discover, develop and refine their career plans and actions.”
As part of the Careers Mentoring and Widening Participation team, the EPAs:
- Conduct research to inform the creation of digital resources tailored to specific student groups
- Organise webinars
- Schedule events at various times to accommodate different schedules
- Offer personalised support through appointments and resources.
The EPAs play a crucial role in guiding underrepresented students and graduates, helping them to navigate the range of opportunities on offer at Leeds, including mentoring schemes, exclusive to Leeds placements, volunteering, insight days, as well has how to accesses careers resources and LinkedIn learning. They also offer CV, cover letter and application support. Their efforts are dedicated to empowering these students to explore, develop, and hone their career aspirations and strategies. Through their work, EPAs ensure that all students have access to the tools and knowledge necessary to progress confidently in their chosen career paths.
EPA initiatives
EPA-led initiatives have already had a multifaceted impact on student development and employability. A pilot for care-experienced and estranged students provided a supportive community through informal sessions and consistent communication, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. The support offered to those undertaking Student Research Experience Placements was instrumental in equipping students with the necessary tools to effectively showcase their skills, enhancing their chances of securing future research opportunities.
Collaborations with alumni and external organisations have played a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. By connecting students with relatable role models and professional networks, these partnerships facilitated the development of transferable skills and professional acumen. Workshops with the Transform Society and the EY Foundation's virtual business challenge were particularly beneficial in preparing students for real-world scenarios, such as assessment centres and networking events.
Furthermore, career mentoring schemes provided tailored guidance and insights into various industries. These schemes not only expanded professional networks and connections, but also allowed for personalised mentorship.
Feedback from students on the EPAs has been very positive so far. Following their 1:1 appointment with an EPA, a student shared: “I want to say a massive thank you for all your help! Helping me to completely redesign/restructure my CV to a skills-based one was great, as well as being able to discuss options, get interview help, and most importantly growing my confidence has been amazing!”
To find out more about our Employability Progression Assistants, email the Careers Mentoring and Widening Participation team at epa.careers@leeds.ac.uk.