The growth of a partnership with Nottingham City Council (NCC) has seen more students contributing to the local community and adding a fresh perspective to Nottingham’s public policy.
University of Nottingham students have taken part in placements at the council, undertaking a day of work every week over 10 weeks. The placement covers a range of departments, including corporate marketing, HR and transport.
PhD student Martin Thorley recently worked with the council to produce a report measuring the impact of the city’s engagement with China.
He said: “I have a background of working in China and believe strongly that students should endeavour to give back to university towns and cities in which they are based so this was an ideal opportunity to assist Nottingham. As a Sino-British relations PhD research student, the placement expanded my understanding of British-Chinese links at regional level and it's been positive to work with the council here.”
Two recent UoN graduates joined the council last month as part of a new management scheme run by the local authority. Lisa Hancock, who graduated in Geography, is working as a Graduate Technician in Traffic and Safety while Ellen Cooper-Tydeman, Sociology, is working for the Energy Services Team. They are the first of eight graduates to be taken on by the council.
The partnership is helping to bring about a culture change at NCC, paving the way for a younger generation of workers who are all local residents.
Visit the website to find out about the range of placements, work experience and volunteering opportunities available to you.
Posted on Thursday 2nd November 2017