Members of the CEE team collecting their award at the AGCAS Annual Conference in Sheffield on 10 June 2024.

The University of Sussex has won the AGCAS Supporting Student/Graduate Employability Award 2024 for their Career Lab initiative. The winner was announced at the AGCAS Annual Conference in Sheffield on 10 June 2024.

This award is given to student career support services that demonstrate effective development and implementation of initiatives aimed at preparing students for life after graduation.

The judges of the AGCAS awards praised the innovative Sussex Career Lab and Entrepreneurship programme, which provide 1200 quality work experience opportunities each year, open to all students, but prioritising underrepresented groups and emphasising support for students' mental health.

 “We chose this winner based on the impact of the project, the positive outcomes and collaboration. The initiative has a strong emphasis on supporting students with their mental health,” judges said.

The Career Lab offers a variety of options, including in-region, global online, or on-campus research internships, student consultancy, and self-created work experiences. This comprehensive approach ensures that students gain practical skills and valuable experience, enhancing their employability and preparing them for successful careers.

All internships and student consultancy opportunities pay the Real Living Wage and offer flexible hours, enabling students to work around their academic timetable and other commitments.

To host work experience through the Career Lab, employers must undertake disability empowerment training, delivered by expert partner EmployAbility. These training sessions are designed to promote equity and inclusion during the recruitment process and in the workplace. The goal is to create a positive experience for both employers and students.

Emily Huns, Head of Careers, Employability and Entrepreneurship, said: “We are immensely proud of this award, which recognises the scale of our employer connections and our commitment to providing students with fair access to a very diverse range of work experience that will help them prepare for life after graduation.”

Read more about Sussex nomination for an AGCAS Award in Supporting Student Employability.