KIRKLEES companies employing postgraduate students have been invited to enter a national awards.

The inaugural Prospects Postgraduate Awards aim to offer opportunities for competing companies to strengthen their position and relationships in the field.

The Best Business Partner Award recognises and rewards successful collaborations between employers and universities to ensure that postgraduate courses meet the needs of business.

It is one of eight categories, which span campaigns, agencies and businesses.

Entries must be completed by September 6 at www.postgraduateawards.co.uk. The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on November 19 with a gala lunch and networking opportunities.

The awards have been launched by the UK’s leading postgraduate education publisher, Graduate Prospects.

They are the only annual awards dedicated solely to celebrating excellence and innovation in the postgraduate arena.

Mike Hill, chief executive of Manchester-based Graduate Prospects, said: “Many businesses in the region have established relationships with their local universities to support their talent pool and build for the future.

“They are also working hard to educate institutions about their sector and skills requirements to better equip graduates for the world of work.

“The Best Business Partner will demonstrate a cohesive and integrated approach to employability, bridging the gap between education and industry.”

Graduate Prospects’ website prospects.ac.uk houses the official postgraduate course database. I

t has become first choice for postgraduate advertisers, and students and graduates seeking further study information.