Controversial? Maybe. Important? Absolutely!
The Student Employability Conference, held on Thursday 10th September 2026, brought together colleagues from across the University of Portsmouth to explore how changing workplace trends and employer expectations were shaping student employability and the future of graduate careers.
The event provided an opportunity to hear perspectives from employers and current students, share insights and reflect on how the University could best prepare and supports students for an evolving graduate employment landscape.
Please see the adjacent video for highlights of the day.
Key Takeaways
- Explore changing employer expectations and future skills needs.
- Heard directly from students about their experiences and perspectives.
- Gained insight into key trends shaping the future of work.
- Reflected on how colleagues could strengthen student employability support.
Agenda
12:45 - Registration
13:00 - Welcome - Marc Lintern
Marc Lintern opened the conference by outlining the agenda for the day and the goal of the conference by emphasising that improving graduate employability is a shared responsibility between the Careers and Employability team, academic staff, employers and the wider university.
To view this section of the presentation watch Welcome - Marc Lintern 0:00.
13:10 - Setting the scene - Dr Jovanna Radulovic
Jovana discussed the challenges facing graduate employment such as changing job market, financial pressures and explained how the university is adapting its approach to employability to support and set up their students up for success once they leave education. The central message from this talk was that employability must be an integral part of university education, rather than something students are expected to develop independently outside their studies.
To view this section of the presentation, watch Setting the Scene - Dr Jovanna Radulovic 9:18.
13:25 Keynote: What's next for the workplace: Dr Bob Athwal, Skyscanner
Bob explored what employers look for when recruiting graduates, focusing on skills-based hiring, artificial intelligence (AI) and social mobility. Bob's main message was that every student has valuable skills, but they need opportunities to develop those skills and learn how to communicate their value to employers.
To see this specific section of the presentation, watch Dr Bob Athwal - Skyscanner 28:24.
13:50 - Rob Speirs, Stepnell
Rob discussed graduate recruitment from the perspective of a regional construction employer, explaining what helps graduates succeed in the workplace. Rob also described how Stepnell supports new employees through structured induction, a 60-day plan, regular one-to-one meetings and workplace buddies. His main message was that practical experience, people skills and the ability to adapt are essential for a successful transition from university into employment.
To watch this section of the presentation, watch Rob Spiers - Stepnell 1:01:12.
14:35 - What support do students need for the workplace - Fidelia Fidel Turay
Fidelia shared her experiences as a recent Computer Science graduate and student representative, highlighting the barriers students face when trying to prepare for employment. Fidelia used student interviews and personal examples to demonstrate that employability is influenced by much more than academic ability. The main message of the presentation was that staff should listen to students, understand their individual challenges and work collaboratively to provide accessible support.
To see this section of the presentation, watch What support do students need for the workplace - Fidelia Fidel Turay 1:42:47.
Q&A
14:55 - Break
15:05 - Policy Landscape for Higher Education - Ben Cowdrey & Jonothan Scowen
Ben and John discussed the government's changing approach to higher education, skills development and graduate employability.
Ben explained that graduate employability must be considered alongside equality of opportunity with the main message being that access to university is not enough on its own. Universities must also help students achieve positive outcomes, particularly those who face additional barriers.
John explained how higher education is increasingly being viewed as part of a wider national skills and economic growth strategy. John's main message was that universities are under increasing pressure to demonstrate how their teaching, research and partnerships contribute to skills development, employment and economic growth.
To watch this section of the presentation, watch Policy Landscape for Higher Education - Ben Cowdrey & Jonothan Scowen 2:06:52.
15:25 - How do placements contribute to work readiness - Eliana Lee Gibbons
The final main presentation focused on the benefits of work placements and how academic staff can help students take advantage of them. The presentation included two student examples to illustrate the benefits of placements.
Student example A: Employer placement - A student described completing an extended placement with a design and build company specialising in commercial interiors.
Student example A: Employer placement - A student described completing an extended placement with a design and build company specialising in commercial interiors.
Her experience demonstrated how practical work regardless of whether it is for an established company or a small buisiness provides valuable professional development through technical expertise in term developing confidence.
To watch this section of the presentation How do placements contribute to work readiness - Eliana Lee Gibbons 2:27;44.
15:55 - Closing remarks and next steps - Marc Lintern
Mark closed the conference by thanking the speakers and attendees for sharing their expertise and experiences. He emphasised the importance of sharing the information and resources discussed throughout the day and encouraged academic staff to maintain contact with careers advisers, placement advisers and start-up support teams.
The closing message was that improving employability requires continued collaboration across the university, with students receiving consistent guidance and opportunities throughout their studies.
To watch this section of the presentation, watch Reflections & Close - Marc Lintern 2:46:45.
