NEW initiatives by the University of Bradford's School of Management to ensure all of its students are ready for the new world of work have been recognised at the 2019 Educate North Awards.

Bradford's Professor Zahir Irani (Dean) and his team collected the Highly Commended award in the Student Experience category at a ceremony held at the Manchester Hilton on Thursday.

"The new world of work is an environment of uncertainty. More than ever, graduates need to be adaptable and enterprising, able to draw on a broader set of personal qualities and skills rather than relying on graduate status and traditional pathways," said Professor Irani.

"In particular there’s a need among students from non-traditional backgrounds - those who are the first in their family to go to university, and who can be unfamiliar with the cultures of the corporate world and professional careers."

Bradford's entry detailed its work on a range of innovative activities, including the success of the Career Booster programme: a suite of programmes running throughout the year for all students. Unlike other careers support offerings, students in the School of Managementmake use of two dedicated study-free weeks (in addition to time across the year) in the calendar, in October and February, to dedicate to intensive, vocational learning and a step-change in attitudes and capabilities.

More than 1,100 Career Booster sessions have been booked by students since the initiative was launched, ranging from personal development (networking, negotiation, presentations, confidence-building, professionalism, building an online profile, personal resilience, business development and growth), to enterprise challenges and formal learning that leads to qualifications (SAGE 50 payroll and accounts, Project Management Institute qualification preparation and SAS data analytics).

For non-traditional entry students, there is access to psychometric testing and mock assessment centres involving corporate employers to encourage equality of opportunity and skills development. These skills are all "essential when distinguishing yourself in a competitive world" according to Professor Weerakkody, Bradford's Head of Management.

Educate North Awards is a prestigious event that celebrates, recognises and shares best practice and excellence in the education sector in the North of England.