Birmingham students guild marks employment week

The University of Birmingham Guild of Students is to highlight the importance of volunteering and part-time work to students during the week of the February 20.

The week marks the National Association of Student Employment Service's (NASES) National Student Employment Week and Volunteering England's National Student Volunteering Week.

Now in its eleventh year, the awareness week is designed to bring students, employers and voluntary organisations together by demonstrating how volunteering and employment whilst at university can enhance employability through personal and professional development, and create cohesion between local communities, education institutes and the wider world.

Events during the week include: The NASES' Virtual Jobs Fair to provide students with summer work and other opportunities all week. Also online, will be a virtual adviser to answer queries about finding student jobs.

On the Wednesday, the Guild of Students will be hosting a LGBQT workshop on 'Managing Identity in the Workplace' this will be delivered by the university's Equality & Diversity Adviser with support from student employer (PwC).

On the Thursday, STAR (Student Action for Refugees) and Amnesty International Volunteering Projects will once again sleep on the streets of Birmingham in a bid to raise awareness of the thousands refused asylum seekers who find themselves out on the streets once their asylum claim is up.

Fliss Cross, Vice President (Activities & Development) at the Guild of Students comments: "With employability continuing to be a main concern for our students it's vital we ensure they understand significance that experience through volunteering and part-time work has to play to ensure they stand out from the crowd.

"The volunteering opportunities and part-time work placements offered through the Guild not only help students during their time at university but enable them to gain valuable experience and skills, equipping them for employment after graduation.

"And, in addition to enhancing a student's CV volunteering has a significant impact on the wider community. We are incredibly proud of our students!"

For a full list of events taking place during National Student Employment and Volunteering Week, visit guildofstudents.com/employable