Liverpool John Moores University (JMU) is offering a new way to equip students for life after their studies.

JMU’s Graduate Development Centre will begin the ‘Ready for Work’ programme this month. It offers a range of services which are designed to ready students for the world of work. Mark Onion, 21, a Project Marketing Assistant at the GDC said:  “You can spend hours studying for a degree and achieve a First, but not get a job. Because there are so many people doing degrees these days it helps to have something else to show an employer. All the skills that you learn on the courses can be included in CVs.”

The GDC ‘Ready for Work’ programme consists of a series of workshops and lectures that are aimed towards equipping students for the workplace. Those wishing to participate should collect a ‘Ready for Work’ passport from the GDC on the first floor of Kingsway House, Hatton Gardens, or book a place on a course online at www.ljmu.ac.uk/gdc.

The courses come fully endorsed by a number of British industry insiders, including Naomi Climer, Vice President of Sony Europe who says in the GDC’s leaflet:  “What LJMU is doing could make a huge difference to employers and students.”

Participants must be willing to give up some of their free time for the events, which Mr Onion has found to be a stumbling block for some students. He said:

“It can be difficult to get students involved because it’s a voluntary project in their free time, but it offers a great chance to learn new skills.”

For a full list of the ‘Ready for Work’ events visit the GDC website. Any other enquires about the programme can be made on 0151 231 8099 or on the GDC e-mail address gdc@ljmu.ac.uk.