University News Last updated 16 March 2011
Birmingham City University has announced two appointments to its newly created Employer Engagement team. The team, led by its Director Beverley Nielsen, is focusing on improving employability outcomes for our students.
Caroline Thorley has been appointed Employability Officer to work with Student Services Career Zone Manager, Jo Fair, to develop and implement student-facing activities promoting and encouraging employability and work experience on all programmes through curricula and non curricula activities including events and services. Caroline will also work to ensure timely information is communicated to staff as we work to continuously improve our offer.
Caroline has worked in the fields of project management, events and marketing as well as careers guidance. In her most recent role she has worked for a prominent community organisation as a Project Manager in the Learning and Employment Department with responsibility for employment and training programmes, including the delivery and management of over 50 internship and apprenticeship placements in the NHS.
Sonia Hendy-Isaac has been appointed Senior Lecturer Curriculum Development working with Paul Bartholomew, Head of Curriculum Design, and Ruth Lawton, Teaching Fellow for Employability. Sonia will be working with her colleagues in the Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) to develop innovative approaches to embedding employer engagement in all aspects of curriculum design and facilitating the development of creative approaches to delivering programmes of learning which are flexible in delivery and assessment.
Sonia joins Birmingham City University from the University of Gloucestershire where she has been working with the teaching and development team on the Graduate Challenge programme forming a collaborative partnership between the Centre for Enterprise and Initiative and the Department for Teaching, Learning and Innovation. Graduate Challenge, a four month internship programme, has been offering new graduates the opportunity to develop their employability through work-based learning whilst gaining a Postgraduate Certification in Personal and Professional Development.
David Maguire, Pro Vice Chancellor Corporate said, “Engaging with employers is central to Birmingham City University’s overall strategy and I am particularly pleased to see two excellent appointments to support our initiative.”
Beverley Nielsen, Director Employer Engagement, added, “It’s very good to welcome Sonia and Caroline who each bring great experience to our newly-formed team. Our focus will be on helping our students achieve satisfying careers – both whilst at Birmingham City University and following their graduation.”
Sonia Hendy-Isaac said, “I’m incredibly excited by the prospect of integrating Employer Engagement into the core of Birmingham City University’s curricula and supporting staff as they create and develop innovative teaching and assessment methods allowing us to become an exemplar in the field.”
Jo Fair, Career Zone Manager said, “I’m really pleased that Caroline is joining the Career Zone team. She has extensive experience of developing student and graduate employability and will deliver initiatives and activities enabling Birmingham City University students to recognise and develop their skills, and become and remain highly employable.”
Caroline Thorley said, “I am delighted to have joined the Career Zone team, and I am looking forward to working with students and staff to promote Employability across the University. The focus of my role will be on developing new strategies to enhance the employability of students, helping them to be successful in their chosen occupations as well as manage their careers in the long-term”