Harper Adams' Graduates at the Top for Jobs

Posted 19 July 2007

Graduates from Harper Adams University College, Shropshire, have once again achieved an enviable employment record, demonstrating that it is the best choice for students who want a head start when seeking jobs after their studies. An exceptionally high 98.3% of students gaining first degrees in 2006 were employed within 6 months of graduating.  The national average is 93.2%.

This month the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) revealed that Harper Adams, the leading specialist rural and land-based university college, was seventh in the league table of 160 UK higher education institutions, including the likes of Oxford, Cambridge and Durham Universities. In comparison other land-based specialist colleges scored below the national average.

There is a very close relationship between students, tutors and support staff at Harper Adams. This has strongly contributed to the 99.5% response rate to the HESA survey and gives an accurate overview of employment. Many students keep in touch with the University College, giving regular career and personal updates.

For many years Harper Adams has topped the employment league tables maintaining an accomplished record of over 95%. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that all undergraduate courses at Harper Adams include a 12 month sandwich placement in industry. It is an excellent opportunity for students to put the theoretical knowledge into practice, developing valuable employment skills and gaining experience of the challenges faced on a day-to-day basis in the workplace. The University College has links with over 500 placement employers across a wide range of industries. The strong relationships between rural professions and the academic tutors means that the curriculum itself is informed by the needs of the industries and organisations that the Harper Adams serves.

The Principal, Professor Wynne Jones said; “We are very pleased that Harper Adams’ graduates have again achieved such an enviable employment record. The University College is well-recognised for its quality teaching and well-designed courses and this, coupled with our links with leading rural businesses and professions, and the fact that all students complete a 12 month placement in industry, means that our high calibre graduates are highly sought after in the jobs market”

Our graduates pursue a range of careers, across the globe. Some of those who graduated in 2006 include; Helen Donnison who is now a Development Technologist at food manufacturer Edgmond Foods, Padraig Brady who works at John Deere’s European Head Quarters as Marketing Communications Administrator for the JD Advertising Agency for Europe, Africa and Middle East, Tim Perrett who is working for the Soil Association as a Certification Officer, and Laura Dickinson who is an Events Sales Administrator at the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers.