Harper graduate employment remains high

Posted 16 July 2009

Figures out today show that Harper Adams graduates continue to have an excellent employment record – despite difficulties caused by the recession

New data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows that graduate employment across the whole of the UK took a hit in 2008, as the credit crunch started to bite.

HESA’s figures are based on the annual Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, which all graduates are invited to take part in. The latest survey reveals the destination of 200,090 full-time, first degree students who graduated in the academic year 2007/8. The results show that, all things considered, Harper Adams graduates are still ahead in the jobs race, with a 96.1 per cent employment rate.

“The fact that just 3.9 per cent of our full-time, first-degree students remained out of work six months after graduating, shows that Harper is still a top performer when it comes to preparing its undergraduates for employment,” said Academic Registrar Noel Morrison.

“We believe that one of the biggest factors in their success is the sandwich work placement year, which all students must complete. That, coupled with quality teaching, well-designed courses and strong links with leading rural businesses and professions, puts them in a very good position when taking their first steps beyond university.”

The Harper Adams figure is based on an exceptionally high response rate of 98.6 per cent of the eligible graduates – the highest response rate in the whole of the UK. 

Careers Advisor Maria Simpson attributes this success to the collegiate environment fostered at Harper Adams. “I think it helps that they know the person surveying them, which is not likely to be the case at larger institutions. The beauty of Harper Adams University College’s size is that we can maintain a personal careers service. Even after graduation, we work continually with our students to enable them to take that important first step on the career ladder.”

To view the HESA data, visit www.hesa.ac.uk/pis/07/08/