Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has launched its new Industry Patrons Scheme with an event on Monday 22nd April.

The new scheme looks to formalise the the strong relationships the university has formed with industry professionals in a way which brings them together with students, with a view to improve communication and increase employment rates for students going into the workplace.

Lisa Mann, Executive Director of Innovation at AUB, explained: “The Industry Patrons Scheme is a brand-new initiative from us to ensure that we can give both students and their future employers the very best support ensuring that the transition into the work place is as seamless as possible.”

At Monday’s event, industry patrons in attendance included Forest Forge Theatre Company in Ringwood, TP Bennett architects in London, Dayfold Group in Verwood, Aspex Gallery in Portsmouth, Treehouse Digital filmmakers in Poole, and Amsterdam-based digital fashion platform, The Fabricant.

L-R Burcu Aslan, Marco Marchesi, Hazel Osewe

Marco Marchesi, Chief Technology Officer at The Fabricant, said: “The Industry Patrons Scheme is an innovative initiative that bridges the gap between academia and industry.

“By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, it ensures students gain invaluable insights into the professional world they are about to enter.

“As a digital fashion pioneer, The Fabricant is thrilled to be a part of this program, shaping the future creators who will redefine the boundaries of our rapidly evolving industry.”

The first event was designed to encourage an exchange of knowledge, views and experience between AUB’s staff, students, alumni and patrons.

It started out by looking at recent survey results from a national graduate mental health survey.

A graduate intern and members of the AUB Student Union then led a discussion on what had and hadn’t helped them successfully transition to the workplace, what they would approach differently when starting a new role and their hopes and fears for the next role.

The following two sessions looked at both sides; what students expected from employers and what attracted them to positions, as well as what employers expected from newly appointed graduates and how AUB can make their graduates more workplace ready.

Lisa added: “We’re thrilled to have such a full and engaged programme of events with our industry partners, the new Industry Patron scheme is something we wish to continue to build upon, we wish to ensure that our graduates are future proof.

“We firmly believe that equipping our students with the skills and tools to be as employable as possible is our duty, and it’s one that we take very seriously.”

• https://aub.ac.uk/

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