Many United Kingdom graduates face difficulties in securing suitable employment after leaving university and may take up to 3 years to reach a graduate level post. This situation applies widely and not only to those academic disciplines without obvious links to a particular job. Even those with vocationally related degrees might find their current technical expertise insufficient to overcome their lack of practical on-the-job experience. The University of Luton has piloted and developed the Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme. This is a programme for the new graduate that involves a mix of work placements and skills development workshops. Placements are with small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary groups. The workshops lead to professional qualifications including National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). Participating employers are encouraged to utilise the scheme as a low risk means of evaluating graduates prior to formal employment. Project evaluation is discussed in the context of graduate expectations, under-employment, employer expectations, acceptance of NVQs and lifelong learning. This initiative is described as a single institution case study in the preparation of graduates for employment. The work is considered in the context of other initiatives at the University of Luton and elsewhere. © 2000 Journal of Vocational Education and Training All rights reserved.
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