UCM (University College Isle of Man) has launched a new initiative which aims to strengthen employer engagement and enhance student employability. The WorkReady Partnership is a free accreditation scheme that promotes and recognises quality work placements for students while supporting employers in building future talent pipelines.
The WorkReady Partnership, which was officially launched at UCM’s Bridging the Skills Gap employers event last week, offers dual benefits:
- For Employers: Organisations that provide high-quality work placements will earn the prestigious WorkReady Partner accreditation, a visible mark of commitment to developing future skills and fostering workplace excellence. Employers also gain access to motivated talent and fresh ideas, helping to build skills pipeline and reducing future recruitment costs. Additionally, it enhances brand reputation and has a Corporate Social Responsibility benefit.
- For Students: Those completing placements will receive a WorkReady Completion badge, showcasing their experience and commitment on CVs and LinkedIn profiles.
This initiative strengthens UCM’s mission to enhance employability, deepen employer relationships and create a robust network of opportunities for students.
Students at UCM already undertake work placements and have a wide range of work-based encounters, including those required to complete their qualifications, providing a vital bridge between education and employment, as well as offering significant benefits for the employers who host a student. The WorkReady Partnership celebrates employers who provide those work placement opportunities and are a ‘badge of honour’ for both employers and students.
As well as recognising and celebrating the organisations who host students for work experiences, employers can identify students that have completed meaningful work placements, as students can display the badge on their CV.
Accredited employers will be invited to some of UCM’s key events, including careers fairs, awards ceremonies and guest lecture opportunities—creating valuable networking opportunities.
For more information and to join The WorkReady Partnership, visit www.ucm.ac.im/workready