[Interview video with four rotating subjects. During this first section, we see overlays of the University campus, plus employees working in a science laboratory environment, developing a computer program in an office, and a team having a discussion around a laptop.]
Dr Matt Snowdon, Associate Provost - Industry Engagement:
Industry engagement is really important to the University. So when we're designing a degree, we listen to industry and we try and make sure that we are addressing the skills that they need in the future. We try and embed employability across every single one of our courses. We recognise that how we work in terms of the local economy, providing the skills and the innovation needed to drive growth. We have to listen to and respond to what industry needs. Our approach is multifaceted. As a university, we can do an awful lot to support industry. So one of our key aims is to make sure that that's visible and that we're there for industry when they need us, that they know how to get hold of us. And that they can understand the range of different ways that the university can support them, whether that's around their sustainability, whether it's around growth, whether it's around innovation or just access to really good talent. One of the key planks of our industry engagement strategy is industry voice, and we want to align behind industry as customers the same way that we have now with our students. So we're really keen to find lots of ways that we can engage with industry. Listen to what industry needs, shape that conversation about what those future challenges might be, and use that to drive what we do and to allow continuous improvement.
[We see shots of people having conversations in workspace environments such as around computers in an office and in a meeting space. We see Haroon walking into a University site, and having a one-to-one meeting.]
Haroon Hassan, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Enterprise Mobility:
So the relationship with the University of Derby started off initially by us attending careers fairs. We are a large graduate recruiter across the UK. So being at careers fairs is a great way for us to get our brand out, get our programmes and our opportunities out as well. We just built in on and we made relationships and contacts with academics and then from there we moved on to working in curriculum, which is which is an amazing opportunity for us. We can really kind of get in front of our students as well.
[We see the Bloc Digital office, employees working at computers, a spatial computing 'Hypebox', and Keith using a touch screen to explore schematics of an engine.]
Keith Cox, CEO, Bloc Digital:
Bloc Digital has been working with the University of Derby for several years now. It started off when we were just looking for year in industry placements and that worked really well. Then over time, as the business grew and we suddenly realised the University could support us in more ways, so that might be Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. We've got masters students right now. Graduates come and join the company. Live project briefs - all of the above. So we've evolved from just using the University for year in industries to becoming a full partner of the University.
[We see one of the Surescreen sites, employees working in labs, and having meetings.]
Chris Troth, Laboratory Manager, Surescreen Scientifics:
Surescreen is a company, it's rooted in science and analytics. We've got different departments across two sites in Derby. We do work on DNA, engineering and materials and also diagnostics. We've got a strong working relationship with the University of Derby. We regularly employ graduates, for our seasonal roles. We've also got a number of staff which have come from Derby University.
Keith:
Partnering with the University, having that collaboration, it benefits us in many ways. We are obviously looking for future staff, but then also we're doing things where we collaboratively go with the University and get funding from the government, which helps evolve our business because that new knowledge allows the business to grow in new directions.
Matt:
I think industry has recognised over time that as an applied university, we're really focussed on their challenges and how we can apply our knowledge and our talent and our skills to solving those problems. Industry really values that. So we can shape our future research, our future innovation and our future curriculum to make sure our students are genuinely giving employers what they want.
Haroon:
The skills and qualities we've observed in students from University of Derby, the key one that really kind of sticks out for me is they are what I would say as go getters. And in our business, we need people who are proactive, students who are engaged who, students who want to really get those opportunities. Students who are looking for promotions and development opportunities. That's what we specialise in, in Enterprise Mobility.
Keith:
They're always hardworking. They know what we do and they're they're enthused to come and join in. We basically look at the University as a pipeline for all our graduates. So when we do have people come in for work placements, year in industries, we're basically looking for our next generation of staff.
Chris:
We found that they have a good attitude to the working environment and are keen to get stuck in wherever they're needed. It's been really beneficial sort of employing them from from an industry perspective.
Matt:
The University recognises that we're in a really diverse ecosystem. We have some amazing large employers. Rolls-Royce, Alstom, for example, spring to mind. But we also recognise that they're part of a much bigger supply chain. There is a huge number of small and medium sized businesses in the area that also need our support. It doesn't really matter the size of the business. We want to support all businesses because that's how we will get the growth that Derbyshire needs and the inclusive growth that Derbyshire needs. So the benefits of that economic growth are available to everybody.
Keith:
So I would say diversity is key. Having lots of different input and lots of different experience into any business is vital. Making sure that when you are looking for new staff from a business point of view, we looked at everybody, every different ability and every different kind of background is key.
Chris:
We've had PhD students who've got really niche experience in research and can help us develop new products. We've employed people from a variety of different ages, backgrounds and scientific disciplines, and this has all contributed to a really diverse team, and it helps to make it a great place to work.
Matt:
Our teachers are excellent and they can give a whole wealth of understanding and experience, but actually hearing from people in the industry, that's what really motivates our students. So whether that's through live briefs, so they can understand challenges of business and give innovative ideas on how that can be tackled, or placement or internships so they're embedded in that business and learning. Or apprenticeships, which is a really great way for our students to learn and earn. All of those ways give our students the skills and the knowledge that employers need.
We have a Student Employment Agency, which is there to allow employers to get short term, part time contracts of really talented individuals that can then hopefully go on to become an important part of their business.
Keith:
All of the great things that the University does offer, it truly does partner with businesses in and around the area. So you get that business and education partnership which helps the students grow. Industry can sometimes find it challenging to work with universities. We aim to make that as simple as possible, by being able to direct you to the right point to talk to at the right time. So we're really sure that the number of opportunities we give our students and the way that we give those opportunities, give them the ability to go out into the world of work and to thrive.
Derby + Industry: Your partner in talent, growth and innovation video
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