Undefined Headline

Jul 2 2009 by Katie Campling, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

GETTING job is probably harder now than ever. The recession has hit all ages – from mature people in high-flying jobs suddenly finding themselves unemployed to those trying to get on the first rung of the ladder.

Leaving university, most graduates know they will have to lower their short-term expectations and do jobs they are over-qualified for, or start at the bottom of the pile in a company to gain experience.

But in today’s recession, getting any kind of job is a huge challenge. Huddersfield students have highlighted this problem by protesting outside the job centre. Some may think this is just another student ‘whinge’.

But these young people have valid concerns. Today’s students are a far cry from the lazy stereotypes of the grant era.

They pay a premium in tuition fees to get a degree and enter their chosen field. They want to work. But right now, they can forget securing the job they desire – any job would be a coup.

Paying off those student loans is a distant possibility for graduates.

While times are hard and businesses are merely trying to survive, it may be short-sighted of our industry leaders to not try and solve the problem of graduate job opportunities.

Companies should make room for training and fostering newly-qualified talent. After all, if and when the country comes out of recession, we will need people will skills, experience and energy to join the workforce.