Supporting Organisations

Here's what some of the supporting employers have to say about the Skills for Work Certificate programme:

	"This is a fantastic opportunity to increase your employability through developing both your skills and your confidence. Having a good understanding of the transferable skills you possess puts you in a much stronger position when trying to demonstrate these to potential employers" - Graduate & Undergraduate Recruitment Lead, BT
	"The Skills for Work Certificate prepares for the working environment after university. The commercial awareness that students gain by doing their work experience and the occupational study really makes these students stand out from the crowd during the graduate application process" - Graduate Recruitment Officer, The Co-operative Group
	"More than ever it is important for students to be able to demonstrate that they have experienced a real working environment and have a business orientated mind set, in addition to good academic qualifications; the Skills for Work Certificate helps students to demonstrate this" - Human Resource Vice President, Outokumpu Stainless Ltd
	"Employers are not just looking for someone with a degree and technical skills. By taking part in this programme and in turn, varying work experiences with a range of businesses, you can develop interpersonal skills and become a more rounded candidate for prospective employers" - Student Officer, PwC
	"In today's difficult climate it is a very worthwhile investment of time and effort – an investment that should pay rich returns when it comes to applying for jobs and, once successful, in developing a career" - Chief Executive, Association of Graduate Recruiters
	"In a highly competitive market place, it is vital that undergraduates have the opportunity to develop transferrable skills for the future. Teach First is fully supportive of the Skills for Work Certificate and the work the University of Sheffield is undertaking to enhance the employability of its graduates" - Graduate Recruitment Senior Officer, Teach First
	"The certificate is a great platform for students to get an insight of what working life offers, whilst gaining invaluable skills. Raleigh International believes in developing soft skills that are extremely useful throughout personal and working life. When applying for further education, training or employment you’ll be asked for evidence of your skills and having examples will help to set you apart. Academic and hard skills are extremely important, but volunteering can provide you with sought after skills such as teamwork, adaptability, problem solving and leadership" - Recruitment Co-ordinator, Raleigh International
	"It is important whilst at university to use every opportunity to develop and practice your skills and widen your experiences. A degree on its own is simply not enough - demonstrating employability requires you to set yourself apart from the competition" - Group Development and Talent Acquisition Manager, Enterprise Rent-a-Car
	"This is a great opportunity for students to learn and develop skills which they wouldn't necessarily learn whilst studying a university degree. The work experience element is not only favourable to graduate employers, but will also help to increase practical skills that will be useful for future employment. Overall this certificate aims to provide students with the skills and confidence to successfully enter the workforce, something we passionately agree with" - Graduate Recruitment Consultant, Mercer
	“At a time where there is significant competition for graduate jobs it is important students understand their value, why they are suitable for an organisation and a role. To stand out from peers this understanding is key and it is vital students have commercial awareness of transferable skills gained. The Skills for Work initiative supports this and enhances students’ employability skills” - The Royal Bank of Scotland