The University of Worcester’s Business School has launched an ambitious new network designed to open up student talent to small and medium-sized enterprises across the region
Grow Local is designed with small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in mind. By pooling resources across participating businesses, the scheme offers access to workshops, practical guidance, and a shared support network, giving smaller firms the kind of structured placement experience usually only available in large organisations.
It makes hosting a student easier, more efficient, and ultimately more valuable for the business, while also opening up a wider range of high-quality placement opportunities for students at the University of Worcester.
Janey Robins, Placements and Internships Coordinator at the Business School, said: “We hope that this new network will encourage students to do more local placements, enhance their experience on placement and help graduates stay and work locally, benefitting the businesses and the regional economy.”
Janey continued: “All undergraduate students in the University’s Business School can do a year on a work placement to gain invaluable work experience as part of their degree. For businesses, employing a placement student means they’re nurturing talent from an early stage in their career, tapping into their energy and enthusiasm from someone who is in the process of learning it.”
While larger companies often have dedicated mentoring programmes, smaller firms may not, especially if they host just one student. Grow Local aims to bridge that gap by pooling resources and sharing best practice across participating businesses.
The network plans to include sessions from the University on how to prepare for the transition to the workplace and other such universally beneficial workshops for students and run networking events and group projects.
The idea for the Grow Local Scheme came after a discussion between the University’s Business School and local firm J R Management Accountancy.
“I was blown away by the University’s willingness to listen, collaborate and make this happen,” said Judith Ross, Director of the company. “They’ve taken the concept and turned it into a reality, and while working together we’ve forged a much stronger relationship with the Business School, and we’ve gained a deeper understanding of the role the University plays within the city”
Judith continued: “The Grow Local Scheme will expose the students to a wider range of environments, people and situations, giving them a broader experience along with increased confidence and enthusiasm for the workplace.”
She said: “The more quickly the students learn and grow, the more quickly their employers can benefit from their talents and fully utilise their energy and capacity; this project is a true example of the power of partnership.”
To find out more and get involved email Janey Robins on [email protected].
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]