The University of Worcester’s Business School has launched a scheme to increase student opportunities.

The initiative, known as the Aspire Reward Connect (ARC) Programme, aims to give business students more access to the professional world.

The programme aims to inspire students in their studies and enhance their employability by giving them hands-on learning experiences with employers.

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Dr Abdulmaten Taroun, head of the Department of Management and Finance within the university’s Business School, said: "At the Business School we are committed to providing our students with the best possible learning experience and helping them realise their potential.

"We’re always keen to work with business alongside our teaching and provide opportunities for our students, exposing them to the professional world and enhancing their professional opportunities."

More than a dozen community businesses have signed up to the ARC programme, and the school is looking for more firms to come on board.

Companies that join can contribute in various ways and at different levels, including offering two to three-week work experience opportunities for students who have excelled in a relevant module or assignment.

The opportunities will allow students to observe and shadow professionals, helping them connect theory to practice.

Businesses can also contribute to an ARC pot to fund extracurricular activities to enhance learning, such as business trips, visits to trade exhibitions and business shows, or help with students’ attendance at professional events and conferences.

Businesses in the scheme can also participate in a Business Talks series, delivering talks to students, staff, and the business community about their industry and business practices.

They would also have the chance to collaborate with course teams to ensure modules or courses reflect the true industry demands of the day.

Financial awards can also be given to students for top overall performance on business courses at the end of the academic year.

Dr Taroun added: "We want to be fully integrated with the business and professional world and be able to offer every single student a first-hand professional experience of how businesses function."