Griffith’s focus on graduate employability is again to the forewith the launch of Australia’s first university-operated recruitment service.
Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Ian O’Connor, formally opened Unitemps Griffith on Monday and Tuesday at the Nathan and Gold Coast campuses respectively.
More than 250 students and recent graduates have filled a broad range of vacancies through Unitemps Griffith since the initiative went live last July.
Businesses from sectors including digital technology, finance, education, health, tourism and transport have used Unitemps to source students from all university study areas for temporary roles.
“A common challenge for businesses is not knowing how to connect with students who would be valuable assets to their organisation,” Jenny O’Neill, branch manager of Unitemps Griffith, said.
“Employers associate students with being up to the minute in terms of social media, technology, marketing and entrepreneurship. In looking to university students, they’re also chasing fresh ideas combined with initiative, personal spark plus a willingness to learn.”
Unitemps has gone from strength to strength since its establishment in the UK 20 years ago.
At Griffith, a comprehensive suite of services from initial consultation through sourcing, screening and shortlisting candidates to arranging interviews, conducting workplace checks, managing payroll and monitoring placement progress occurs.
Students can be placed in short-term assignments, ongoing part-time or full-time roles, often with the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to a busy work environment.
Once registered with Unitemps Griffith, students can do an intensive pre-employment course where they gain interview skills and job application techniques, and also have the opportunity to build professional networks relevant to their study areas.
“Student outcomes are a key priority at Griffith University and the launch of Unitemps is further demonstration of this focus,” Jenny O’Neill said.
“By generating the potential for students to bring their skills to paid work situations, often in the industry in which they want to build careers, we are enhancing their future employability.”
