‘Employability in Action: Opportunities for developing the student experience’ Conference
6th May 2015
POSTER ABSTRACTS
POSTER 1
'Building a Partnership with Industry'
Dr Gervase Cunningham, Dr Mark McKane and Dr Sharon McClements
School of Built Environment
Abstract
Quantity Surveying staff at the Ulster University are focused on building and delivering work based
learning for undergraduate Quantity Surveying students. The university's reputation for delivering
work-based learning means that year after year employers from the UK construction sector and also
internationally are returning to recruit our highly skilled and employment-ready graduates.
The Building Partnership event hosted by the Ulster University and organised by Quantity Surveying
academics and construction industry leaders provides a great opportunity for industry to recruit full
time undergraduates for both graduate positions and placement positions. Almost 50 organisations
attended the event which provided students with the opportunity to find out more about the
organisations who attended, the projects in which they are involved and the placement and
graduate opportunities with these companies. It also provided academics and the wider university
community with the opportunity to network with these stakeholders in the construction industry
and hopefully develop engagement and collaboration going forward.
The Building partnership event helped to build and support the construction sector which is on the
road to recovery post-downturn. Jonathan Hunter, human resources manager at Farrans
Construction, said: "A career in the built environment can be hugely rewarding and as the economic
recovery continues, now more than ever is an exciting time to be involved in the sector.
The Building Partnership event is a great opportunity to gain access to some of the best up-andcoming talent within the local construction sector.
POSTER 2
‘Poster Presentation Title: Bridging the Gap: Employer Engagement in Widening Participation’
Mr Alastair Scott-McKinley
School of Sociology and Applied Social Studies
Abstract
This poster will outline our experience in developing partnerships with key sector employers
(YouthAction NI and WELB Youth Service) at region level. The partnerships support employers’
direct involvement in the delivery of short courses on the Ulster University Certificate in Personal
and Professional Development (CPPD) and Certificate in Community Youth Studies. The partnerships
add value, which benefits individuals, and the wider economy, through addressing the Northern
Ireland skills agenda by preparing and up skilling the new and changing workforce, in line with the
key action point within Government Policy: Access to Success. (DELNI 2012). The project targets
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potential part-time students which make up 40% of all higher education students in the UK (UUK,
2006) and 30% of students studying at Ulster (15% undergraduate) (Internal UU Statistics). UUK
(2006) point out that “part-time higher education is a significant element in the continuing growth of
the sector and plays a central role in extending higher-level skills, widening participation, and
lifelong learning.”
The purpose of the project is to make higher education visible and accessible within communities
and employment settings, in particular in community and youth settings. Community Youth work is
a sector with a workforce made up mostly of volunteers (90% N=24,452) (Courtney 2011). A small
number transfer to semi-professional paid roles or professional full-time roles. This project is
targeted at those individuals considering paid roles and wishing to transition from level 2 and Level 3
training into level 4 training. The transition to Higher Education can be a challenge for nontraditional students due to their diverse range of support needs (Brennan 2008). This project
engages the support of employers in ‘bridging the gap’ between volunteering, higher education and
employment. The approach is informed and aligned with Government policies; ‘Access for Success’
(DELNI2012), ‘Success through Skills’ (DELNI2010) and ‘Priorities for Youth’ (DE 2013). It is also in
accord with two Ulster Universities polices, (1) ‘Widening Access and Participation Strategy’
2011/12-2015/16 particularly Aim 2 and objective 1, 2, 3 & 4 and (2) Learning and Teaching Strategy
2013/14 – 2017/18.
The project also seeks to raise aspirations of these students to consider progression to further
modules on the (CPPD) framework or a full programme of study, particularly part-time routes based
in employment. The project targeted young adults classified as NEET (not in education training or
employment), young adults who are late engagers with education and mature adult returners who
can achieve level 4 university accreditation, in particular from low participation and neighbourhood
renewal areas.
This model has achieved the following outcomes:
 Establishment of an ‘Outcentre Partnership’ for delivery of the Certificate in Community Youth
Studies (60 credits lvl4) with 22 students completing in 2013-14 and 20 studying in 2014-15.
 Delivery of four modules, with 53 students completing Lvl 4, 10 credit modules with employers
in Derry, Newry, Enniskillen and Limavady. A further 85 students are planned in 2014-15.
The role of regional employers was a significant factor in the success of the project. Students on the
projects indicated that the two most significant factors influencing their decision to study were (1) it
was ‘offered within their local community’ (67%), and (2) that it was delivered in partnership with an
employer (61%). Based on the evidence of this project, employers can play a significant role in
‘Bridging the Gap’ and supporting part-time students engagement with higher education.
POSTER 3
‘The AWARE Framework – A Progressive Approach to Employability’
Ms Nicola Ayre, Dr Ian McChesney and Mr Roy Sterritt
School of Computing and Mathematics
Abstract
The University’s third strategic aim is “to enhance Ulster’s role as a sector leader for student
employability as an integral part of the wider student experience.” The Computing Subject Area
underwent a highly successful Revalidation in 2012/13. As part of our revalidation activity we were
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keen to develop an enhanced employability strand, underpinned by a greater awareness and
understanding of professional issues within the curriculum.
Based on reflections from the EDORT process, input from the Viewpoints project and through work
conducted by a working group of the course committee, a progressive approach to employability
was devised and introduced in September 2013 - the AWARE framework:
Awareness (Year 1)
Work preparation (Year 2)
Acquire experience (Year 3)
Reflect / refine / refocus (Year 4)
Employed
With a major emphasis of employability being the Year 3 placement year, each of the Years 1, 2 and
4 have an 'anchor' module for developing employability concepts and skills with employability skills
taught, developed and assessed elsewhere as appropriate.
The University Revalidation Panel, in their formal feedback, regarded AWARE and our enhanced
employability strand as exemplary. As part of the Year 4 reflective activity each student prepares a
Project Showcase – a reflective report which allows the student to explore their project work from
an employability perspective. One student noted, “the Project Showcase made me think about my
project as something I could use at interviews.” Another said, “the project showcase was something I
could talk confidently about at my interview, I’ve just secured my dream job, it really helped.”
POSTER 4
‘Developing employability skills: student perceptions in the School of Engineering’
Dr Pearse O’Gorman and Margaret Morgan
School of Engineering
Abstract
This poster presents the results of a study conducted on first and final year students in the School of
Engineering to explore their understanding of and insight into:


expectations of engineering graduate employers, and
what skills – professional and hard - they could develop further at University to enhance
their employability.
Analysis of the questionnaire data revealed that first and final year students possessed a good
appreciation of what employers wanted in a graduate engineer. The results showed a marked
difference between the two cohorts in terms of the skills they believed they needed to acquire or
develop more fully in order to enhance their employability. The findings will help inform curriculum
developers as they seek to align the delivery of course content with both student and employer
expectations.
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POSTER 5
‘Employability Journey(s) at Ulster’
Dr Malachy O’Neill, School of Irish Language and Literature
Prof Melanie Giles, School of Psychology
Ms Shauna McCloy, Employability and Marketing
Abstract
Our vision is that applicants to Ulster will be introduced to our institution-wide employability
strategy via a series of generic and subject-specific marketing and recruitment events during their
AS/A2 years at post-primary level. This would include guest-speakers from industry at open days and
UCAS conversion events and would prepare applicants to Ulster for the integral part that
employability would play in the Ulster student experience from induction to graduation. The ‘road
map’ would be the key visual in the poster, essentially a Route 66 type depiction of the Employability
Journey(s) at Ulster with key pit-stops (Volunteering, Student Union participation, Tutoring in
Schools, CV Building, EDGE activities, Science Shop, GLIC, etc.) en route and the compulsory
placement/work-based learning dimension depicted as a pivotal bridge/tunnel dimension to the
journey. Hopefully this would create a very strong visual depiction of the institutional vision for
employability and the acquisition of graduate qualities throughout each individual programme of
study at Ulster.
POSTER 6
‘Thinking Strategically About Employability ... The School of Law Experience ...’
Dr Esther McGuiness and Dr Amanda Zacharapoulou
School of Law
Abstract
This poster outlines the approach taken by the School of Law which, in line with the University’s new
Learning and Teaching Strategy (2013/14-17/18) which promotes meaningful student partnerships.
The School of Law at Ulster University have worked collaboratively alongside colleagues in other
Schools, in the CDC and the Department of Alumni Relations, to develop two employability initiatives
which are designed to enhance students’ employability skills: The Student - Graduate Mentoring
Partnership and Peer Assisted Study Skills (PASS).
POSTER 7
‘Getting that job: An incremental approach to social work employability in action’
Ms Susannah McCall, Ms Denise McDermott and Prof Mary McColgan, School of Sociology and
Applied Social Studies
Mrs Julie Connolly, Employability and Marketing
Abstract
The poster will focus on the incremental approach the BSc Hons in Social work utilises with regards
to student employability. It will also focus on our award winning practice learning opportunities and
most importantly the student experience.
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POSTER 8
‘Ulster EDGE and EDGE Excel: Enhancing student employability’
Dr Sharon Milner
Employability and Marketing
Abstract
The Ulster EDGE Award was developed to support the student experience at Ulster by enhancing the
employability of Ulster students. This poster outlines the developments that have occurred with
EDGE which have resulted in the launch of the higher level award ‘Ulster EDGE Excel Award’ in
September 2014. There are currently 47 students who will successfully graduate with Excel in July
2015, one of whom will be eligible for ‘EDGE Award Student of the Year’. It will also illustrate some
of the student and employer views in relation to the employability impact of the Award.
POSTER 9
‘Alumni-Student Mentoring Programme’
Mrs Maria Curran & Mr Sean Gallagher, Employability and Marketing
Ms Roisin McNamara, Development and Alumni Relations
Abstract
Employability and Marketing and DARO have developed and rolled out this Mentoring Programme
to help our students tap into alumni expertise in a variety of fields. Feedback from the pilot show
Ulster students being inspired and empowered to take control of their own careers, seek out
opportunities for professional development and grow in self-confidence.
POSTER 10
‘Fusion: The INIS Meain Knitting Company and Ulster University collaboration project’
Dr Alison Gault & Kate Howard, Belfast School of Art
Tarlach de Blacam, Inis Meain Knitting Company
Abstract
This paper discusses the impact of work-based learning in education and the importance of
developing partnerships between university and industry. This is in the context of the Ba (Hons)
Textile Art, Design and Fashion Course (Fashion knit) Ulster University and Inis Meain Knitting
Company, Galway, Ireland. The paper illustrates the outcome of a recent IntertradeIreland Fusion
project, which involved Inis Meain Knitting Company (the Industrial partner), the Ulster University
(the academic partner and knowledge provider), and a recent graduate (the knowledge carrier). The
paper will focus on the impact on teaching and learning pedagogy, the knowledge transfer between
the tripartite relationship of the industrial partner, academic partner and the graduate. It will
consider skill acquisition, the flow of innovative ideas over the 12-month project. Also, it will
consider the measurable outcomes recorded in quarterly evaluations evidencing both qualitative
and quantitative data. Furthermore, it will assess the impact on all stakeholders over the prevailing
year.
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POSTER 11
‘The HEAR supporting the student experience’
Mr Sam Norris, Student Administration and Registry
Dr Sharon Milner, Employability and Marketing,
Abstract
This poster outlines how the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) can be used to support
the student experience at Ulster as both a formative and summative document. It summarises the
progress of the HEAR to date as well as outlining the proposed future development of the HEAR.
POSTER 12
‘Mapping a route to employability: Graduate Attributes and Gis’
Dr Paul McKenzie & Dr Sally Cook, School of Environmental Sciences
Dr Stephen Roulston, School of Education.
Abstract
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer based systems that enable the collection and
analysis of spatial data. GIS are a fundamental and fast-growing part of the global economy which
have led to a global demand for a skilled workforce that can use GIS to address an array of spatial
issues. Students recognise the value of GIS for employability and often select GIS modules to
enhance their employability. Employers also require students with a range of other skills such as the
ability to train others and communicate with clients. This poster outlines how students from the
School of Environmental Sciences are developing employability skills through collaboration with
school teachers. Students form an educational partnership with school teachers to create a GIS
manual which can be delivered through Tutoring in Schools. This approach has enabled students to
develop a range of employability skills while also promoting the use of GIS within schools.
POSTER 13
‘Fostering graduate identity in non-vocational pathways’.
Ciaran Acton, Ciaran Burke and Marie Braniff
School of Sociology and Applied Social Studies
Abstract.
The main aim of the poster is to showcase some of the strategies we are introducing in Sociology
(under the umbrella of Sociology +) to address the employability problems that students on nonvocational pathways typically face. It will look at the skills agenda and how this actually works in
practice. We will outline the various skills and resources that graduates need and align these to the
measures we are taking in relation to Sociology+. These issues will be located within the framework
of Tomlinson’s concept of ‘graduateness’.
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POSTER 14
‘The diversity of work-based learning in the School of Health Sciences’
Dr Mary Hannon-Fletcher and Dr Patricia McClure
School of Health Sciences
Abstract.
The School of Health Sciences delivers six Allied Health Profession (AHP) BSc (HONS) 3 year courses.
This provides a very broad range of work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for our students. Every
student undertakes a period work based learning, with each WBL having to meet the HCPC and
professional body requirements. This poster will outline the different WBL examples, the
assessment and management of these experiences.
POSTER 15
‘Helping students on their Journey from Undergraduate to IT professionals’
Dr Edwin Curran & Mr Roy Sterritt School of Computing and Mathematics
Mrs Maria Curran, Employability and Marketing
Abstract
The poster outlines the journey to becoming IT professionals that students on our Computing
courses embark on but focuses primarily on how a year 2 module (Professional Development) helps
them. It ties in QAA subject benchmark standards with graduate qualities as defined by the
University of Ulster.
POSTER 16
‘Creating a New Paradigm in Community Youth Work – the Integration of Entrepreneurship
Education’.
Ms Breda Friel and Ms Sharon Porter
School of Sociology and Applied Social Studies
Abstract
This poster outlines the development of the Certificate in Entrepreneurship Awareness short in
Community Youth Work education in Ulster University from 2007. From a taught short course to an
online and practice based short course, students have acquired knowledge, skills and understanding
of entrepreneurship in community settings.
POSTER 17
‘Promoting employability for occupational therapy students in innovative and diverse practice
settings’
Dr Patricia McClure, Associate Head of School, Health Sciences;
Lucia Ramsey, Placement Coordinator & Lecturer in Occupational Therapy.
Abstract
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