Power of partnerships celebrated in 2021 Employability Excellence Awards

Thursday, 18 November 2021

Entrepreneurialism, excellence and the power of partnerships are being celebrated as part of the University of Newcastle’s 2021 Employability Excellence Awards.

2021 Employability Excellence Awards

Each year thousands of University of Newcastle students take advantage of skill building opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom.  The University places a strong emphasis on offering work experiences known as ‘Work Integrated Learning’, aimed at enhancing student work readiness and employability in partnership with industry, business and community partners.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Mark Hoffman said the University had more than 3000 industry connections and delivered more than 23,000 Work Integrated Learning experiences each year.

“Our students have told us the value of these experiences, giving them opportunities to collaborate, build confidence and apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real world experiences. It’s why integrated practical experience is embedded into all of our degrees.

“Our teaching staff play a vital role in identifying these valuable opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills and develop professional networks as part of their university experience.

“Through these opportunities our students are achieving amazing things outside the traditional classroom to complement their studies and enhance their employability.”

Professor Hoffman said the Employability Excellence Awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of staff, students and industry partners who created professional learning experiences that prepared students for success.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, said the University’s Strategy Looking Ahead, placed Work Integrated Learning as a centrepiece to its education goal of life-ready graduates.

“Work Integrated Learning allows industry and the University of Newcastle to work together to develop Australia’s future workforce by ensuring graduates are adept and sufficiently agile to face the challenges of a changing job market,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“We want our graduates to be career-ready, professionally engaged, and excited about their future beyond university.

“We achieve this through the powerful and valued partnerships we hold with industry, business and our community.

“We’re very proud to be leading the way with other regional universities that continue to meet the needs of students and employers.”

Visit the online exhibition to see videos and articles about the achievers and partners, showcasing how they are supporting our students beyond their classroom study to become confident, engaged and work ready.

2021 University of Newcastle Employability Excellence Awards

STUDENT EMPLOYABILITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:

Mikyla Peters

STUDENT INTERN/CADET OF THE YEAR:

Ryan Maginnity

STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR:

Ashley Harrison

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING STUDENT OF THE YEAR: 

INDUSTRY AWARDS

NEW PARTNER IN EMPLOYABILITY AWARD:

Hunter Prelude

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING STAFF MEMBERS OF THE YEAR: 


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