Brunel University has won yet another accolade at the National Placement and Internship Awards, sponsored by ratemyplacement.co.uk.
The Professional Development Centre (PCC) picked up the award for ‘University with a Forward Thinking Attitude to Work-Based Learning’ for their exceptional support for students seeking work placements, part-time work and careers advice. This is the second award the PCC has won at the annual awards show, with the team also picking up the ‘Best Placement Service’ award in 2010.
The PCC works incredibly hard to ensure that Brunel students have access to the best possible placement and career opportunities and has introduced a number of new initiatives in the last few years, including a bursary scheme for students on non-paying placements, student job-shares, and even a smartphone app to put part-time and graduate job adverts at students’ fingertips.
Announcing the award, co-founder of Rate My Placement Oliver Sidwell said: “Brunel University's contemporary approach to work-based learning was described by the judges as 'amazing'. They go miles beyond the call of duty and offer an integrated service providing a one-stop shop for all students. Their extensive use of social media also demonstrates a real understanding of the student audience.”
Michelle Kavan, Deputy Director (Placement), added: "Within PCC we continually strive to change, improve and innovate and I think that this award highlights this. We are also proud that our Placement Assistant, Mo Rahman, won a special commendation in the 'University Personality of the year' category for showing outstanding support to students and employers."
This award celebrates the initiatives and innovations carried out by UK universities and departments in promoting the value of work based learning to students and employers. Nominations for the award were open both to students and employers, as well as entries from the universities themselves. Winning universities are selected by the judging panel based on the case studies submitted.