A University of Central Lancashire's (UCLan) lecturer has won a prestigious national award for his work in helping students to find more work experience placement opportunities.
Simon Price, Principal Lecturer with UCLan's School of Law and Social Science, has been given the 'Outstanding Contribution to Work Experience' in the National Undergraduate Employability (NUE) Awards 2020.
The award was made after UCLan's Law school team was also nominated in the 'Most Improved Commitment to Employability Award' for its work in helping students apply and maximise their work experience opportunities.
In making the 'Outstanding Contribution to Work Experience' award to Simon, the NUE stated that he had helped to 'implement a new approach to employer engagement'. helping the UCLan law school 'to build long term partnerships with employers through regular meetings and quarterly employer forums, growing the employer network from just five employers two years ago to 60 today'.
The awards were made at a special ceremony held by the NUE in London, with 19 awards made on the evening.
The Awards are designed to recognise organisations and individuals who have demonstrated passion, innovation and dedication within the field of undergraduate work experience.
The NUE Awards recognises increased commitment by university departments to help maximise work experience opportunities for its students.
On receiving his award, Simon said: "In today's competitive graduate job market, gaining real world skills through work-based placements is a vital aspect of the student experience in the School of Law and Social Science here at UCLan.
"To be recognised through the awards in this way is testament to the support I have received from my colleagues and the culture within the school and the importance it pulls on helping students to make that transition from to the world of work.
"In my time at UCLan, I have worked to build strong partnerships with key local, national and international employers and they too have played a key role in supporting events like cJAM:Law, the School's mentoring schemes, providing placements and delivering many employer talks to students across the school.
"I look forward to building on this success the award reflects and will continue to work with students, colleagues, employers to create more opportunities for many years to come."
In December 2019 Simon won a UCLan University Stars award, voted for by staff of the University, for the Exceptional Student Experience category.
Jane Anthony, UCLan's Executive Dean for Culture and Creative Industries, said: "As a University we take great pride in the opportunities which we offer to our students and the work for which Simon has been recognised in receiving this national award reflects that.
"All of this ensures that our students have a competitive edge in the job market and that they continue to thrive and succeed long after their degree is completed."
Vivienne Innis, Head of Lancashire Law School at UCLan, said: "I am extremely proud of the work we do in the School of Law & Social Science to ensure our talented and diverse students are well equipped with essential skills and aptitudes as well as knowledge.
"Simon has created a unique dynamic agenda, developing confidence and resilience, realism as well as optimism, and providing numerous opportunities for students to network."