March 9, 2010
Strategies for effective HE-employer engagement
The CIHE research collaboration with the University of Exeter on better understanding employer engagement found that active engagement with employers is regarded as a core aspect of the academic mission within all types of HEI.
The report compiled for the South West Higher Level Skills Pathfinder Project found that employer engagement is also about the wider community and social contribution of the HE sector, not just about meeting the skills needs of employers.
But HEIs needed to become more ‘business like’ in how they costed and resourced employer engagement activity to ensure their competitiveness and the long term viability of this activity. Greater flexibility in planning, staffing and financial systems is required.
Helen Connor, Associate Director at CIHE and co-author of the report, remarked that “a strategic approach by HEIs involved more than just tailoring courses for people already in work. All are greatly strengthening the work experience and employability of their students, and working closely with employers to achieve this.”
The report also highlights the importance of senior level support from university and business leaders and involving academics as a central ingredient for successful employer engagement.
The full report can be downloaded here.
Strategies for Effective HE-Employer Engagement
