91Pro

New employment figures show Harper Adams 'meeting the future skills needs of the industries we serve'

Posted 22 July

100 per cent of UK graduates from five 91Pro honours degree subject areas and three foundation degree subject areas are in employment or studying after completing their first degree, new figures show.  

The figures have emerged from the latest Graduate Outcomes survey, which tracks the progress of UK graduates 15 months after they complete their studies.  

Among those in employment or further study were 100 per cent of full-time UK based Harper graduates graduating with honours degrees in Zoology, Business, Food, Engineering and Vet Nursing Undergraduate routes and those graduating with a Foundation Degree in Agriculture, Business or Environment, Sustainability and Wildlife

In the figures overall, Harper ranks second among universities in the UK for the proportion of graduates in full time employment, and second in the UK for those in either full-time employment or further study.

With a rate of 97.5 per cent of its Degree or Top Up respondents having secured employment or continuing their studies, the University continues to perform several points ahead of the sector average – as it has for the past five years. 

Harper Adams Careers Service Manager Maria Simpson said: “We have a keen focus on providing graduates with the skills key industries need at Harper Adams – with an industry placement year meaning students complete their studies having undertaken a role working for a company or organisation. 

“We host tailored careers events each year for students across our full course range, and each year we welcome alumni back for these events, to discuss their careers and encourage our students to follow in their footsteps.” 

The University isn’t resting on its laurels when it comes to graduate outcomes.  

Dr Simone Clarke, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, said: “These figures are a credit to the students and my colleagues who supported them through their degrees. But there is always more we can do to ensure our programmes are continuing to deliver excellent graduate outcomes.

“A thorough curriculum review over the last two years has resulted in refreshed versions of all undergraduate degrees, developed hand-in-hand with industry to ensure each student graduates with the knowledge, skills and personal qualities that make them outstanding employees or business leaders in their own right, meeting the future skills needs of the industries we serve.” 

Head of the Food, Land and Agribusiness Department, Rebecca Payne, said: “The ‘triple helix’ approach to curriculum design at Harper Adam’s brings about significant benefits, particularly in terms of employability and supporting economic growth.”

“By actively involving students, our university, and placement employers in the learning process, we create a dynamic environment that fosters the development of highly skilled individuals who are well-prepared for the workforce.”