Annual Learning and Teaching Conference puts focus on employability
Academic and professional services staff enjoyed the chance to share and develop practice, explore new ideas, and consider how higher education can effectively prepare students for success after graduation in a well-attended conference at the University of Chester.
About 200 attendees from the University and partner institutions explored topics including placements and experiential learning, digital skills, simulation-based learning, sustainability, inclusive practice and employer engagement in the annual Learning and Teaching Conference.
This year’s theme for the event, organised and run by colleagues from the Centre for Academic Innovation and Development, was Making Employability Visible: From Curriculum to Graduate Futures.
The keynote session, delivered by Dr Miri Firth from the University of Manchester, encouraged staff to reflect on how employability is already present within curricula and how it can be made more visible to students. The programme also featured an employer panel examining the impact of artificial intelligence on workplaces across different sectors, providing valuable insight into the changing landscape students will enter after graduation.
One of the highlights of the day was the introduction of the new MyUniSkills Journal, which will support students in recognising, documenting and reflecting on the skills and experiences they gain throughout their studies. Developed as part of the University’s Future Skills approach, the journal will help students better understand and communicate their strengths as they progress through their degrees and into employment.
Academic and professional services staff who have made outstanding contributions at the University of Chester were also honoured at the inaugural Driving Educational Value and Achievement (DEVA) Awards. The ceremony celebrated colleagues whose commitments and innovation continue to enhance the student experience.
Professor Jackie Potter, Dean of Academic Innovation, said: “Across all our subjects and courses, teaching staff are delivering career-based teaching that supports the employability of our graduates. They work closely with employers to ensure our students have the knowledge and skills they need for their diverse futures.
“Days like these, when teaching staff come together from different disciplines and professions to learn from each other, showcase our commitment to each and every student and the personalised path they take to future success.”
The main conference will be followed by a micro-conference in September so colleagues have an opportunity to catch up on sessions they missed, and to refresh thinking ahead of the start of the new academic year.
Main image: Dr Miri Firth, left, and Rebecca Falcon, right.
Image 2: DEVA Award winners, the Childhood, Education & Professional Development Division Postgraduate Dual Delivery Team.