With more and more graduates trying to resist the pull towards the 'Big Smoke' of the Capital for graduate jobs, filled with trepidation about the cost of living, crime and the dreaded commute, those residing in Liverpool will be happy to hear that local universities are pulling together to support the student's desire to stay put and yet find employment.
Four Liverpool universities have recently teamed up with regeneration agency Liverpool Vision and have created a website solely focused on providing creative sector jobs. So for anyone from 'architects to performance artists' situated in the metropolitan borough of Merseyside, the Creative Opportunities site is one to add to your internet favourites list. It is no longer possible to ignore the pull of graduate opportunities from large provincial towns. Manchester in particular looks set to become a bustling graduate destination after the confirmation that the BBC is employing the 'Out of London' strategy, hoping to create 1500 jobs by moving a dozen key departments from London 'up-north' to Manchester. It is the likes of Manchester and Leeds that Liverpool hopes to compete with in the bid to become the top 'Out-of-London' graduate destination.
The Creative Opportunities site is backed by: The University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Hope University , Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts and Liverpool Community College. This is the first time that the four universities have come together to support one project; this type of unity is definitely a refreshing read during a time when confidence in Higher Education is at a real low, with each day bringing a new university announcement adhering to the rise in tuition fees.
Barry McGorry, senior development advisor at Liverpool Vision has claimed that 'The site enables the private sector to post its opportunities to the web, whether
they be jobs, internships, spaces or events'. What is wonderfully unique about this site is that following its initial setup it is now being handed over to be led and run by the students of Liverpool. Not only will this be a wonderful site for students specifically searching for jobs in the creative sector, but as we current and up-and-coming graduates keep being reminded 'It's all about work experience' so those involved in the daily running of the site may feel they have been handed a Golden ticket!
The creation of the Creative Opportunities site really demonstrates the sincerity of universities in their commitment to graduate retention. McGorry feels that this site is a brilliant stepping stone to ensuring that universities are helped in their bid to show their support for students. So now with the help of Liverpool Vision creative students in the Liverpool region can hopefully avoid the surge towards the Capital and help to improve the status of their city as a top graduate destination. Move over The Beatles, Liverpool creative talent is flourishing!
Elise, GRB Journalist
