STUDENTS studying health and social welfare will get support to boost their career prospects thanks to a new partnership.

The University of Worcester has teamed up with a range of other bodies to boost the employment prospects of future graduates. Community First, the Association for Care Training (ACT) and Worcestershire Association of Voluntary Organisation in Community Care (WAVOCC) will work together to help students find high quality, year-long placements within the voluntary and community sector (VCS).

It is hoped the move will in turn help those organisations that support the initiative.

Dawn Goodall, programme lead for foundation degree in the university’s institute of health and society, said: “This new partnership will strengthen the university’s success in creating highly employable graduates across a range of courses.

“Students will get the opportunity to apply and test their knowledge in real world situations.

Meanwhile, the organisations involved will get graduates who can bring new skills and energy to their work.”

John Taylor, from WAVOCC and Community First, said: “This partnership is a great example of what can be achieved when people work together on behalf of the wider community.

“Our aim is to ensure a good experience for the VCS agency and the student so that there is mutual benefit, with the prospect of raising awareness and potentially offering volunteering opportunities within the VCS beyond the placement experience.”

For further details on how to get involved in the partnership call Dawn Goodall, on 01905 542363 or e-mail d.goodall@worc.ac.uk.