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Most graduates say work experience not qualifications counts in race for jobs

80% of recent university graduates in the North West say experience of work is important when trying to find a job, whilst just 54% think qualifications were important, according to research commissioned by independent education charity, the Edge Foundation. The OnePoll* survey found that among graduates in the region who had found work, 48% are in jobs which don't require a degree, while 27% said they could have got where they are now without going to university.  The OnePoll also discovered that:-

► 36% of recent university graduates in the North West said their degree wasn't worth the money.

► 25% said if they'd known of all the available options they would have considered doing an apprenticeship.

► 7% of recent university graduates in the North West surveyed have no job at all.

The findings are published ahead of Skills Show, that runs from 19 November to 21 November 2015, is the nation's largest skills and careers event, of which Edge is a lead sponsor.  Phil Broodbank, aged 22, lives in New Brighton on the Wirral. He initially planned to go to university, but the dramatic rise in the cost of the fees made him look at other options. He had always enjoyed being 'hands on' and had an interest in planes, so took up an apprenticeship in aircraft systems with Airbus, based near Chester. Phil Broodbank said:- "The 1st year was very college based, but in the second and third years it was great to have practical experience. I have my NVQ and BTEC level 3 qualifications in aeronautical engineering and I'm now an electrician with Airbus working on short haul flight aircraft. I really enjoy the job and am doing an extended national diploma to further my skills."

The Edge Foundation is urging young people to visit The Skills Show at the Birmingham NEC to see the variety of options for further education and training available. Employers such as Jaguar, Crossrail and Virgin Media and further education colleges will offer advice and information about the apprenticeship and training opportunities they offer. The Edge Foundation's Acting Chief Executive, David Harbourne, said:- "People have been led to believe that a degree is a guaranteed passport to success, when in fact university is not the only route to a rewarding and prosperous career. Our research reveals that many young graduates feel let down. We need a range of learning options, not only because graduates are feeling short changed on their investment, but because we need a skills base which will serve the increasingly technical and diverse UK economy."

* OnePoll contacted 1,000 graduates aged 21 to 35.

Calling all families to make a difference at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands

RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands is set to host its 1st ever family volunteering day, giving young families a unique opportunity to get involved with a fun filled conservation activity, whilst helping their favourite nature reserve at the same time. In 2014, 3 RSPB reserves took part in a national pilot project to trial family volunteering days, which proved a great success. Now families can take part at Burton Mere Wetlands, near Neston, where staff have recently been busy removing non native sycamore trees from the ancient woodland, as they are a less suitable home for our beloved British wildlife. As part of this work, the site team now need to plant lots of young native trees to fill the gaps and are calling for families to lend a hand during the volunteering day. The free event is not only a chance for people to make a lasting difference to the site, but also a great way to help give nature a home on the reserve. Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager for the RSPB Dee Estuary reserve, said:- "It’s a great opportunity for families to have a fun, conservation experience together, whilst finding out a bit more about what our wardens get up to on the reserve. The reserve is attracting an increasing number of keen young families and this is a brilliant opportunity to give the whole family an insight, and an input, into the essential conservation work that we do here. Taking part will hopefully leave children with a greater connection to their natural surroundings and a lifelong desire to continue supporting wildlife conservation into their adulthood. Plus, they’ll have a stronger bond to their favourite RSPB reserve; somewhere they can always visit and feel they have made a valued contribution." The family volunteering day takes place on Saturday, 28 November 2015, and families will have the option of booking onto either the morning session (10am to 12pm) or the afternoon session (1pm to 3pm). Further information about the event can be found online, or by speaking to the staff and volunteers in the visitor centre by calling into the reserve or by phoning:- 0151 353 8478.