A NEW programme to help students on to the career ladder kicked off this week.

The University of Bolton has launched the Bolton Award, designed to boost the job prospects of students.

And sports undergraduates found out how the award could benefit them.

Rebecca Shivji, Bolton Award project officer, said: "Students are encouraged to take part in the Bolton Award because it enables them to gain careers advice, work experience or volunteering, crucial employability skills, a wide variety of enrichment opportunities, new contacts, and personal development.

"This is a new initiative and it’s fantastic to observe that students, staff members, and stakeholders alike are keen to be involved."

Monthly induction sessions are being held so students can find out more about the Bolton Award, including about applying to be part part of it.

The recent event was co-ordinated by Craig Hobbs, the university’s lecturer in sports development and coaching.

There were talks from Anna Fitzpatrick, academic group lead for engineering, sports and sciences; and Sarah Nicholson, graduate careers and employability adviser.

Mr Hobbs also organised talks from Neil Hart, senior sports development officer, and Wahid Khan, community sports development officer, both based at Bolton Council and representatives for the Greater Manchester Sport Partnership.

Mr Hobbs said: "As a recent employer, I’m aware that sport has a positive impact on graduate employability through learning and through practising key skills and behaviours such as teamwork, leadership, collaboration, and communication.

"I believe the Bolton Award will enrich the student experience and ensure that Bolton graduates are well-rounded and employable individuals."

The programme will help students gain experiences that are directly relevant to their academic course and career aspirations.

Rebekah Kohler, a sport development and coaching student from the University of Bolton, said: "I want to improve my confidence in my coaching ability, especially my technical understanding of swimming and aquatics development.

"I also hope to develop my interpersonal skills because all the swim teaching jobs I do on my work experience module have required some form of communication with members of the community.

"I hope to take advantage of the subsidised training and development opportunities to improve my problem solving, communication, and leadership skills, and become more aware of sports employment opportunities before I graduate."