Adam Powell and Tracy Chan, students at Swansea University, were taking part in the SPIN programme (Swansea Paid Internship Network), run by the University’s Employability Academy.

‌Their task was to review the Swansea Employability Award.  The Award helps students to explore who they are and then to gain experience and develop skills which can boost their job prospects.   If they complete the award it is recorded on their electronic degree transcript. 

‌‌In the last academic year over 1800 students enrolled onto the SEA Award.  Over 500 went on to achieve the Award at one of its four levels:  bronze, silver, gold and platinum. 

Adam and Tracy interviewed students, staff and employers as part of the review.    Admiral was one of the employers interviewed and after the interview they offered to sponsor the SEA award for the coming year.

‌Adam Powell said:

"My conversations with companies such as Admiral gave a vital insight into what the Award means to companies in the real world and had a large impact on the recommendations made during our review.

Sponsorship from Admiral showcases how much graduate employers value the skills acquired during the Award and I'm positive the partnership will move the Award from strength to strength." 

Tracy Chan said:

“It was a great experience working with the Swansea Employability Academy. I was involved in data collection work at the University and I had the chance to interview students and staff from different colleges.

I learned a lot about employability from different points of view which motivates me to be confident in looking for different kinds of opportunity in the future. Colleagues were always friendly and helpful which made my time more memorable here.” 

Admiral already has links with the Swansea Employability Academy, and this latest step will further strengthen the relationship. 

Wendy Sleat of Admiral said: 

“Admiral is proud to be sponsoring the Swansea Employability Award. 

We believe it is an essential, proactive initiative providing a specific focus for students on the overarching principles of work experience, employability skills development, job application and interview technique practice, alongside managing the expectations of future employers. 

The programme helps provide Swansea University graduates with the very best grounding possible in preparation for the challenges of job seeking and the world of work.” 

Jon Howden-Evans, head of the Swansea Employability Academy, added:

“The University is delighted with the impact that the Swansea Employability Award is making.  Numbers achieving the awards are up:  nearly 2,000 students registered for the Award last year, the majority being first-year students, which is great news. 

By working with both students and employers, we have been able to develop the Award so it includes a range of activities that have real value for both. 

On a personal level, I am really pleased that, through the work of our students, we have been able to strengthen our relationship with Admiral – a key employer that has been supportive of the role of our Employability Academy since its creation 4 years ago”

Picture:  Admiral and Swansea University sign a memorandum of understanding, the foundation on which co-operation is built. Admiral team members (l-r) Jane Wynn-Jones, Graduate Manager; Wendy Sleat, Executive Recruitment Manager; Ceri Assiratti, HR Director, Andrew Viazzani, Head of Recruitment; pictured with Dr Jon Howden-Evans, Head of Swansea Employability Academy and Liz Robbins, Head, Student Information Office, Swansea University School of Management.