Partner Article

North East faces 'brain drain'

Businesses have been urged to do more to recruit and retain graduates after a survey alleged that fewer than 5% of North East students find a job in the region within six months.

The nationwide study of more than 24,000 university leavers also claims that the region performs less well than any other in this category.

The report from Graduate Prospects goes on to suggest that the North East could be heading for a brain drain, with students having to look elsewhere for work.

The Real Prospects 2009 survey also says that employers in the North East perform least well when it comes to meeting graduate expectations and managers in the region are no better at motivating and inspiring graduates.

Mike Hill, chief executive of Graduate Prospects, which runs a student careers website, said: “The gap lies between expectation and reality, so we must focus on improving communication and development opportunities.

“By investing in our young talent, we are investing in our future.”

Nick Keeley, director of Newcastle University’s Careers Service, said: “The majority of businesses in the North East are relatively small and not necessarily household names, which could lead graduates to thinking there aren’t many opportunities here, but that’s not the case.

“North East businesses need to take notice of this report; there is no room for complacency. They need to work on a strategy to attract and retain graduates. A key element to this would be introducing graduate development programmes, where the company forms a partnership with students.”

On a positive note, the study revealed that graduates who did find work in the North East felt the most secure in their jobs.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .