Nottingham Trent University students celebrate 10th year of solving business challenges through Grads4Nottm initiative

The scheme, now into its 10^th year, showcases Nottingham as a top-tier location for graduates, highlighting the depth of business and employment opportunities present throughout the city. This two-week work experience programme allows businesses to gain access to the skills of NTU students and graduates, through a series of challenges.

All challenges were advertised anonymously, with participants from across a wide range of courses matched to challenges best suited to their skills. This year, 27 local employers, from a variety of sectors, submitted projects to students to solve during the fortnight. Students were then asked to present their solutions and ideas during the celebratory showcase event at NTU’s Newton Building.

Long-term supporter of the event, The Treat Kitchen (TTK) Confectionary Ltd, submitted a challenge focused on tasking their allocated students to create a marketing campaign for the business’ new sour sweets range.

Jess Barnett, Founder and Director of the business, said that the scheme proved an ideal opportunity for her to obtain a new perspective for her product.

‘The scheme provides us with a fresh perspective on our own business, with students using a blend of skillsets from their different courses to perform a really holistic approach to the challenge. Our students came up with new ideas instantly – we cannot believe how much work was undertaken in just 2 weeks. The team of students managed to create new branded characters, produce quiz tests and interview over 60 people as part of their consumer research. All of their ideas will be taken forwards.’

Maya Lurie, a third-year psychology student who worked on TTK’s challenge, felt the scheme enabled her to embed her theoretical skills into a practical setting.

‘I decided to apply for Grads4Nottm to learn new skills, such as digital marketing and to apply my skills in a real workplace. The scheme has made me learn to trust in my team, develop briefs for clients and to achieve brand consistency.

The programme helped to raise my confidence and to learn – I would encourage others to sign up.’

Another example was a challenge set by Print 4 Ltd, who tasked their students to create materials promoting sustainable printing, whilst championing their brand.

Matt Boam, Director, Print 4 Ltd, believes the Grads4Nottm scheme represents a positive experience for employers and students alike.

‘We have taken part in Grads4Nottm for the past 4 years and it is always rewarding. The programme is a chance to give back, with graduates able to thrive in a working environment.

The scheme is a great way of making connections and to provide real-world support – we are still in touch with all students that have taken part in our challenges and feel the scheme provides employers and students with a mutually beneficial experience.’

Veronika Russakova, a final year graphic design student, said that the scheme presented her with valuable skills to apply in the future.

‘This programme pushed me out of my comfort zone, working with clients, pitching ideas and receiving feedback,’ Veronika explained. ‘I really benefited from the scheme by connecting to different people and learning different techniques.’

Fantastic opportunities

Samantha Morley, Employer Engagement Officer, NTU, said, ‘It was a pleasure to co-ordinate this milestone year of Grads4Nottm. Once again, we have showcased the fantastic opportunities available to students and graduates within the local region. Some employers taking part this year have been engaged since the very first Grads4Nottm in 2014, testament to the longevity of the initiative.

The quality of work produced by our students during the two-week period was extremely impressive and we are pleased to be able to extend some of these projects through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.’

Hanna Luetkemeier, Strategic Employer Engagement Manager, added ‘Grads4Nottm is an established, successful initiative that showcases the amazing employers that we have here in Nottingham, bringing them together with NTU talent.

From inception to today, the scheme has provided many great moments - being nominated for the Times Higher Education Award in 2016, our creative edition in 2019, through to our fabulous 10-year celebratory edition. This would not be possible without the fantastic employers, students and team here at NTU.’