University News Last updated 04 June 2009
Birmingham City University students Imran Salam and Muhammad Meharaz Ali have been enhancing their employability prospects thanks to the University's excellent partnerships with industry.
Competition for graduate jobs has increased in the current economic climate so when the two Quantity Surveying students each secured a year long placement with the Urban Design team at Birmingham City Council they were able to gain valuable experience in a real life setting which will undoubtedly increase their chance of finding full-time employment when they complete their studies.
The placements are another success story resulting from the long-term partnership between the Urban Design team and Birmingham City University, operating over the past 18 months.
Councillor Neville Summerfield, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "The scale of new developments and regeneration schemes planned within Birmingham over the next 20 years is unprecedented and runs into tens of billions of pounds.
"We hope through this partnership we can demonstrate to the next generation of construction professionals just how exciting an opportunity working for the city council presents. It is the graduates of today who will lead and realise our ambitious plans for tomorrow, and that is why we are determined to do all we can to attract the very best."
Imran and Muhammad are among 12 trainees who are undertaking an intensive 10 month rotation programme that has seen them working across all disciplines including quantity surveying, energy management and architecture.
21 year old Imran, from Moseley, said: "Experience is the key; this opportunity has been a great way for me to put my learning into practice and I have been fortunate enough to work on real life projects from small-scale refurbishments to multi-million pound new developments.
"My colleagues were extremely helpful and supportive throughout my 12 months, providing me with expert advice, guidance and information."
21 year old Muhammad from Balsall Heath commented on how the placement has prepared him for when he returns to university to complete his degree. He said: "My placement has been ideal preparation for my final year at university. I am now a more rounded and adaptable individual with a solid skills base. Through a structured programme with Urban Design I was able to meet the targets set by my team while maximising my own experience.
"I'd definitely recommend a placement year to anyone provided that it is carefully planned and monitored to ensure maximum progress."
John McKenna, Group Quantity Surveyor at Urban Design, added: "The fresh new talent that Imran and Muhammad offer have had a very positive impact on our team and we hope they feel they have benefitted from the placement."
Successful work experience placements provide many benefits to both employers and students. They offer students of today the opportunity to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow and raise the community profile of the business to parents, teachers and employees.
Richard Jordan, Head of Recruitment at the School of Property, Construction & Planning at Birmingham City University, said: "We are delighted that Imran and Muhammad have had the chance to gain such practical and relevant work experience. The University is proud of its links with industry and the successful work experience programme underlines the university's commitment to preparing graduates for the world of work."
The University is holding two Open Days on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June. Telephone +44 (0)121 331 5595 for more information.