A North East university has recognised the skills and added value that students have gained while studying, making them true ‘SuPA’ stars.
The Sunderland Professional Award (SuPA) is part of the University of Sunderland’s pledge to create work-ready students. The awards recognise students who have made the most of their time at university, achieving work experience or part-time work or volunteering, developing transferable and employability skills.
This year 58 students applied to SuPA, and an independent panel of judges, including local employers and employment experts, conferred awards to 47 candidates – a recording-breaking pass rate of 81%.
The University of Sunderland’s Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell KCB, presented the awards. He says: “Being at university involves a lot of juggling, managing study, work, family or caring commitments. So it is immensely praiseworthy that our students find time to participate in an even wider range of activities, and important that we recognised them through the SuPA scheme.
“I spend lot of time talking to employers in the city, in the region and nationally, as well as those whose businesses are operating on an international scale, and without exception, they are looking to recruit candidates with the right skills, but also those who have something extra to offer.
“Our students’ involvement in work experience and volunteering, societies and clubs, and employer events will all help to give them that added edge.”
The Sunderland Professional Award is part of Sunderland Futures, a range of opportunities offered by the University of Sunderland which help students build a portfolio of activity and achievement designed to enhance their CV and add to their qualifications.