Record numbers of students from under-represented backgrounds applied to Brunel’s professional mentoring scheme.
The widening participation programme, which just started its 14th year, pairs students less likely to go to university with professionals.
More than 100 students will spend the next six months working with public and private sector professionals to plan their path into the world of work.
“It’s about sending students into the workplace with a better idea of the world they are entering,” said Widening Participation Officer Beverley Crooks.
“These are often students who are the first person in their family to go to university and this gives them one to one support and guidance to prepare for life after university. It really boosts their confidence and the mentors get a lot out of it too.”
A record 472 students applied for the 2016-17 scheme which boasts mentors from some of Britain’s biggest names in business. Land Rover, GlaxoSmithKline, JP Morgan and PricewaterhouseCoopers, which has a base in Uxbridge, are taking part. And Delux Media, GE Capital, Sport England and IT firm Oracle Corporation UK Limited have just joined.
Widening Participation is a government drive to raise the number of students from under-represented groups participating in higher education. Find out about Brunel’s professional mentoring scheme here.