Employers invited to help shape future talent through new placement programme

Businesses across the West Midlands are being invited to discover how they can access emerging talent, support workforce development and strengthen their future recruitment pipelines through a new initiative from the University of Wolverhampton.

The University is hosting a special employer launch event on 14 October to introduce its Professional Development Work Placements programme, which will provide all undergraduate students with a guaranteed professional placement experience as part of their degree from September 2026.

The initiative has been designed in partnership with industry needs in mind, creating flexible opportunities for organisations to engage with students through workplace placements, live business projects and employer-designed assessments.

For employers, the programme offers a cost-effective way to identify future talent, raise brand awareness among students and graduates, and gain fresh perspectives on real business challenges. Businesses will also have the opportunity to help shape the workplace skills and attributes that students develop during their studies.

The launch event will provide practical information on how organisations can get involved, regardless of size or sector, while showcasing the support available from the University to make participation straightforward and mutually beneficial.

Gill Knight, Pro Vice Chancellor Academic Leadership and Student Experience said:

"Businesses consistently tell us they are looking for graduates who can hit the ground running with the right skills, experience and understanding of the workplace.

"Our Professional Development Work Placements programme has been designed to bring employers and students closer together, creating meaningful opportunities that deliver tangible benefits for organisations while helping to develop the workforce of the future.

"Whether you are looking to raise your profile, strengthen your talent pipeline, gain fresh insights through student projects or support staff development through mentoring opportunities, this event is an excellent opportunity to find out more."

Attendees will hear how the programme will work in practice, meet key University contacts and network with other employers exploring ways to engage with future graduates. The event will also include a demonstration of the University's cutting-edge Igloo Visualisation Suite at the National Brownfield Institute, offering a glimpse into innovative technologies available to support business collaboration, simulation and data visualisation.

The Employer Launch takes place from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday 14 October at the National Brownfield Institute, University of Wolverhampton.

Businesses interested in attending can register via Eventbrite: WLV Professional Placements - Employer Launch Tickets, Wednesday, October 14  •  4 PM - 7 PM | Eventbrite