More than four in five recent graduates from University of Bolton have found work, new figures show – in line with the UK average.

Student survey data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency shows 82 per cent of University of Bolton graduates in 2020-21 were either employed or in unpaid work –equal to the UK average for higher education graduates that year.

The proportion of University of Bolton graduates in work included 55 per cent of respondents who said they were in full-time employment, 16 per cent in part-time employment, 10 per cent who were employed while also in full-time study and about one per cent in volunteer or unpaid work.

Responding to the question on whether they felt they were currently utilising what they learnt during their studies, around 75 per cent of recent graduates from University of Bolton agreed or strongly agreed.

Additionally, 76 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that their current activity - whether working, studying or unemployed - fits with their future plans.

Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: "The University of Bolton has invested significantly in employment support for our students.

“We have strengthened both the employability staff team and the activities that help our students to secure meaningful graduate outcomes.

"Our vision is that any student, irrespective of their background, is able to make informed career decisions and develop graduate skills and attributes to secure the type of sustainable graduate employment, business start-up or further study they want."

Professor Holmes added: "We continue to develop innovative ways of working with our employer partners, offering internships, live briefs, competitions and knowledge exchange activities.

"We are also building on our support for widening participation students so they can reach their full career potential.

"We are working hard to widen participation to jobs and opportunities, enable social mobility and by doing so, contribute to a strong regional skills base."

The HESA survey contacts recipients of higher education qualifications about 15 months after their graduation with the aim of gathering statistics on their employment and study activities.

Heidi Fraser Kraus, chief executive of Jisc, which acquired HESA in 2022, said: "The results of the latest Graduate Outcomes survey provide valuable insight into the progress of graduates who left university or college to enter a world still reeling from Covid-19."

She added: "While the employment and salary statistics show graduates doing well, their reflections on their own priorities and wellbeing are particularly illuminating."

Professor Steve West, president of Universities UK, which represents the top 140 universities in the country, said the data confirms a degree continues to give a significant boost to employment prospects despite uncertain economic times.

"In fact, there has been a four-percentage point increase in the proportion of graduates in 2020-21 in full-time employment compared with the previous year," he added.

He said: "The benefits of going to university are not confined to salary and employability outcomes.

“Many graduates go on to work in roles that are vital to our economy and society, and meaningful to graduates even though starting salaries may be lower."

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