Think tank The Young Foundation whose founder Michael Young created the Open University, is planning to offer graduates a two-week crash course on workplace etiquette and fashion faux pas.
“Many people leaving university this summer are going to be entering a very barren jobs market,” predicts Rushanara Ali, the Foundation's associate director.
“Our aim is to ensure graduates hit the ground running by giving them the knowledge they need to impress potential employers.”
National scheme
The programme was piloted in London earlier this year and the Foundation is in talks with the government to roll out a national scheme.
Courses are set to cost £1,000 per student, but it is hoped the fee will be subsidised by the government and universities themselves.
NUS President Wes Streeting says initiatives to help graduates into employment should be welcomend but graduates should not have to pay for advice.
"With so many final year students concerned about their employment prospects post-graduation, this initiative from the Young Foundation is a welcome and timely idea.
“That said, with this year's graduates expecting to leave university with record levels of debt, I wouldn't expect finalists to have to bear any additional costs for careers advice."
Good old fashioned careers advice
The future of finishing schools is very much dependent on funding and it’s unlikely a network will be in place ready for this year’s graduates. So where can graduates seek advice in the meantime? Your university careers service for one, says Kulvinder Birring Deputy Director of Careers at the Centre for careers and skills at City University London.
“Here at City we already provide information and advice to students, including mock interviews and assessments – and it’s all free,” he adds.
Students at City can access the careers service throughout the year, although Kulvinder suggests that students graduating this summer should go to the careers service as soon as they can.
“The careers service is there to help you. You can book appointments to see a careers adviser and talk through your options. They have detailed knowledge of the market place. Don’t be put off by the media either; there are employers still recruiting on campus. It’s important to stay positive and seek advice as soon as you can. Don’t wait until you graduate.”
Consider your options
Despite the scramble for jobs, employment isn’t the only option for graduates this summer. NUS has been working with the government to provide careers information to students, outlining the alternative routes they can take.
Information is being published this week and will be available at your careers service, on postgraduate study, working abroad and volunteering. The message for graduates this year is really to start early and not to rule anything out.
What do you think?
Are finishing schools the answer, or is the careers service good enough? Send us your comments.