A range of free recruitment services are to made available to eligible employers by Gradsouthwest.

The graduate job board for the south west has announced a partnership with the new GradTalent Development Agency.

Funded by the Office for Students, the new initiative aims to help local graduates secure graduate level opportunities across the region.

Gradsouthwest is helping to deliver the programme across Devon, Dorset and Somerset by offering eligible SMEs a bespoke package of support.

It includes free recruitment advertising to thousands of student and graduate candidates who want to work locally.

The eligibility criteria is described as straightforward and most local SMEs will qualify.

Local graduates can also access expert advice by way of a free CV review and interview coaching.

While around two thirds of those who study in the south west stay in the region after graduating, they are not necessarily working in graduate level jobs.

At the same time, reports suggest that more than two thirds of south west employers struggle to find skilled workers.

The GradTalent Development Agency aims to bridge this gap by highlighting the opportunities available and helping graduates to articulate the skills they offer.

Dr Deborah Watson, Director of Gradsouthwest, pictured left, said “We have already had a great response to this initiative.

“Local businesses welcome the opportunity to widen their recruitment channels on a no-risk basis, and graduates are thrilled to be able to access targeted support right at the point they need it.

“On a wider level, we are passionate about our region and delighted to be able to do our bit for the economy by retaining the graduate talent on our doorstep.”

For more information, please visit www.gradsouthwest.com