26.05.05
Unlocking Cornish Potential

Over 50 graduates helped celebrate the launch of the second stage of the Unlocking Cornish Potential Scheme at the Tremough Campus in Penryn. The event marked the successful first year of the Unlocking Cornish Potential programme (UCP), which has placed 92 graduates in local businesses over the past year.

In a presentation to the assembled audience Allyson Glover gave an insight into the project and how its growth has lead it to being extended into a second stage. "The Unlocking Cornish Potential programme was set up to help facilitate the growth of Cornish small and medium sized enterprises by placing graduates within their company, it is growing so rapidly that we are delighted to have received additional funding which will allow us to create even more placements." Allyson explained: "Phase 2 will extend the programme to December 2007, creating 65 more graduate jobs that will have the minimum starting salary of £15,500 which is a good starting wage for Cornwall. It also means success for the UCP team as we have been able to add two new members to our already excellent team."

Five successful students from the project then gave a short talk on their placement opportunity and how the scheme has benefited them.

Graduate Rebecca Vickers said: "I heard about Unlocking Cornish Potential through one of my lecturers at the University of Plymouth. I think it is a fantastic opportunity for graduates who want to stay in Cornwall. I am the marketing assistant for the Recycle for Cornwall campaign, which is a huge county wide project. I find environmental issues a fascinating subject and it is great to work on something like this. I believe that for lots of people Unlocking Cornish Potential is one of the best ways to get a job and it also looks after your future development."

Sophie Hulbet studied Exercise and Sports Sciences at the University of Exeter, as part of the scheme she took up a placement within Carn Brea Leisure Centre in Pool. Sophie's role led her to develop a range of health assessments for the 'Spring' campaign. Sophie explained: "I wanted to come back to Cornwall when I finished at University. I knew there would be opportunities to use the new skills I had learnt. I find my job challenging but I have helped to create and develop a brand, set budgets and carry out marketing to make it successful."

Dan Hinchcliffe returned to Cornwall after graduating from the Business Information Management Systems degree course at Plymouth University. He has taken up a placement with Big Wednesday based in Falmouth. "Without the UCP scheme I would have struggled to stay in Cornwall. I have benefited greatly from UCP and had the opportunity to be involved in the Company from the beginning. My project fits in with the future growth of the Company from setting up on-line to opening the high street store. I have gained knowledge of project management and learnt how to transfer an idea from paper to a working website. I have also learnt how to communicate with colleagues and contractors." Dan explained: "The company has also gained from UCP through press coverage and the on-line business is such a success that we have had to employ another two graduates through UCP."

On completion of his year with Unlocking Cornish Potential, Anthony Fryett has been offered a full-time job with Penzance firm Rocat. Anthony's project was to build a prototype rowing boat ready for the London Boat Show and he played a key part in developing the product. He admits that the hardest part of the job was getting to grips with what was required from the project. Anthony said: "I've had a great time with Unlocking Cornish Potential and my job role with Rocat wouldn't have existed without them. I am sure many companies are going to benefit greatly from the UCP scheme."

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One partnership closed the presentation. She said: "Unlocking Cornish Potential is incredibly important for the future of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The project, which was born out of the Combined Universities in Cornwall, has been one of its greatest successes. It has already completed a wonderful phase one and I am sure this success will continue into phase two. The graduates on this scheme really are the future and I am pleased to say it is in safe hands."

Unlocking Cornish Potential is a CUC partnership project, managed by Cornwall College.

For further information contact Georgina Dale on 01209 616390 or email: george.dale@cornwall.ac.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Unlocking Cornish Potential scheme through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

back to top