Real World Employability Competition

Employer Information Sheet

The Real World Employability Competition is an exciting and challenging competition for students at Glasgow Caledonian University which will be launched for the fourth timein September2014. All GCU students will get the chance to apply for a short project/ task provided by an employer. They will work on the project for the equivalent of 4 days/ 32 hours over a 4 week period in October 2014.They can work on their own or in a team. The best students will win a cash prize funded by our Real World Project[1]and most employers offer a short shadowing/ work experience as circumstances dictate.

What’s in it for you?

Employers can benefit from the competition in many ways. You will get

  • a small piece of work done for free
  • access to our keenest, most motivated students with new ideas and valuable skills
  • the opportunity to mould future graduates into the employees you are looking for
  • the chance to give students an insight into the work of your organisation
  • the opportunity to act as a role model for young people and advise them on their career planning.

If you are interested in being involved, please get in touch. We will send you a short form which asks you to provide a short brief for a student project / task.

What can you ask the students to do for the task?

You might want to ask the students to do some research for you and present the results in a report, set up a new database, assist you with a marketing campaign, make suggestions for an improved website, organise a small event or campaign etc. Some of our students also have video production skills. Given that they come from all subject disciplines in the university, you will have a very wide range of knowledge and skills at your disposal.

We will provide you with further information, an application form and a detailed timeline nearer the launch of the competition.

If you are interested in taking part or have any questions about the competition, please contact Sabine McKinnon,Senior Lecturer in Academic Development, Real World Project Manager; Tel: 0141-2731424; or Fiona McBeth, Administration Manager ; Tel: 0141-3313735

[1]Information about the project can be found here see also for a story about our 2012 prize winners