University of Bolton students ready for the workplace after graduation

The Bolton Award, now in its fourth year, aims to give students career guidance and then support them to learn new skills to help secure a job.

Participants have to spend a minimum of 35 hours, including 15 hours’ worth of work experience or voluntary work.

At the end of the programme, they take part in a mock job interview and are given feedback on their performance.

Emma Donohue, the Bolton Award’s Project Officer at the University of Bolton, said students found that taking part had made a big difference to them.

She said: "Getting involved in the Award helps students tremendously.

"It is massively important, as it gives invaluable careers guidance and support which we know boosts their employability."

Third year student Cara Bradbury, who is 33 and from Tameside, is studying an English degree.

She has secured an internship at The Poetry Business, a company in Sheffield, thanks to mentoring support via the Award.

Cara said that she had been keen to get as involved as possible when she started her university life.

"You can take as long as you like to do it, but there has to be commitment.

"I think I did around 100 hours in total and it took me about five months but it all depends on how much spare time you have."

Cara added: "I was working part time, which goes towards the award, and I was volunteering at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry and I also helped out with the student magazine.

"There were workshops, guidance on how to prepare a CV, plus how to improve presentation skills and tips for performing well at interview.

"I completely redid my CV as a result of what I learned."

Cara completed her Award in 2016-17 and in the following year was presented with a ‘Special Recognition Award’ for her continued commitment to her extra-curricular involvement.

She said: "I would encourage everyone to do the Award, it is a good way to evaluate yourself and improve your chances of getting employment."