03.07.06
Kick starting graduate careers in Cornwall

New figures released by Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) underline the graduate placement scheme's success in helping people to start their careers in Cornwall after gaining their degrees.

In a study of 155 graduates UCP has placed with local businesses, almost 60% came from Cornwall. Close to 45% of the graduates gained their university-level qualifications at one of the universities and colleges that make up the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) partnership. Some 23% of UCP graduates went to school in Cornwall and gained their degrees with one of the CUC partner institutions, demonstrating the opportunities that now exist for local people to fulfil their study and career ambitions in the region.

The figures show that the average salary earned by UCP graduates has risen by some 14% since the scheme opened its doors in spring 2004. The average starting salary for new UCP placements is now £17,573. Investment from Objective One means that participating businesses only need to find 70% of their graduate's salary for the duration of their placement (typically 6 to 12 months). The fact that 70% of completed placements led to permanent job offers demonstrates the value of bringing graduate expertise into local companies.

Allyson Glover, Project Manager for UCP, commented: "These figures confirm that UCP is helping local people to return to Cornwall and helping others who have chosen to study at one of the CUC partner institutions to find graduate-level jobs in the Duchy. It's interesting that we're also drawing talented people into Cornwall from across the region and beyond, highlighting the attraction of the work / life balance we enjoy here. Wherever they come from, these graduates are bringing high-level skills into Cornwall's businesses, helping them to get ahead in today's knowledge-based economy."

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership, said: "Unlocking Cornish Potential is going from strength to strength and is underpinning the principle of investing in the CUC for the economic regeneration of Cornwall. No matter what their size, businesses are eager to recruit graduates on key projects to further the success of their business. Cornwall is deservedly gaining a new reputation as the place where graduates can thrive in the local labour market and this must be nurtured into the future."

Chris Counsell's experience of UCP is typical. After gaining his A levels at Cornwall College St Austell, Chris moved to Bristol to study Geology. Following his graduation he looked for opportunities to return to Cornwall to start his career and secured a UCP placement with The Cornish Lime Company, a Bodmin-based business providing specialist builders with building conservation materials.

The company wanted to employ a graduate to move their laboratory and establish a regular working practice for carrying out tests on mortars and sands. Speaking of his placement, Chris said: "UCP and The Cornish Lime Company not only gave me a chance to move back to Cornwall but they also provided excellent support throughout my project. This ensured that the project was successful, and that I was happy in what I was doing."

UCP is a Combined Universities in Cornwall partnership project, managed by Cornwall College.

For further information please contact David Kirk in the CUC PR & Communications Office on 01326 370471 or email: david.kirk@cuc.ac.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Unlocking Cornish Potential Project, Phases 1, 2 and 3 through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

The Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) project is part of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative and is managed by Cornwall College. UCP builds on 5 years of highly successful, ESF funded activity by the University of Plymouth. The UCP project seeks to measurably improve the efficiency, competitiveness and growth potential of SMEs in Cornwall through the placement of graduates in companies to undertake business development projects. These projects can last from 6 to 12 months.

The company employs the graduate to complete a project that is key to the growth and development of that business. With the help of the European Social Fund, UCP can provide up to a 30% subsidy towards the graduate's salary provide assistance with other project costs. The graduate receives support from a business mentor and the assistance of the project team to scope, plan and execute a successful business development project.

The Combined Universities in Cornwall is a dynamic and visionary partnership that is one of the driving forces behind Cornwall's renaissance. This partnership combines the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, University College Falmouth, The Open University, The College of St Mark & St John, and the Peninsula Medical School, with Cornwall's Further Education colleges - Cornwall College, Truro College and Penwith College. It aims not only to provide the students of the future with more choice and greater opportunities, but also to boost the economic fortunes of the region for the benefit of one and all.

Phase 1 of the CUC initiative has been invested in by the Objective One programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council, and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Phase 2 of the CUC initiative is being invested in by the Objective One programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the Department for Education and Skills, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, and the South West Regional Development Agency. The CUC is the flagship project of the Objective One programme.

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

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