National Work Experience Campaign

Despite an expected increase in the number of graduate vacancies in 2011 by 3.8% the number of vacancies offered according to the Association of Graduate Recruiters will be less than 21,000.

So that's why we have launched a National Work Experience Campaign (with AllAboutCareers), which is aimed at you guys and we hope to highlight the reality of the situation; explain the options available to and to inform you of your rights when taking part in work experience.

The latest evidence suggests getting work experience is more important than ever; the latest research study by Highfliers research stated that, "graduates who have had no previous work experience at all are unlikely to be successful during the selection process and have little or no chance of receiving a job offer for their organisations’ graduate programmes." You can read the full report here: Highfliers, "The Graduate Market 2011"http://www.highfliers.co.uk/download/GMReport11.pdf p.32

If you don't have time to read anything else this week I recommend you read this short article about your rights when doing work experience: Know your rights - work experience, internships and placements.