Graduate retention

The ability of the county to retain its graduate population is an important factor in determining the quality of its labour force. Devon County Council is working to make businesses aware of the pool of highly qualified talent in Devon, encouraging them to employ graduates and engage with graduate employment schemes and further cooperation with universities and colleges.

Devon’s Workforce Skills Survey showed that although many Devon businesses recognise the potential of graduates (87% of businesses perceived University leavers to be either very well or well prepared for work) there is still a low level of graduate recruitment amongst responding businesses (22%). Companies that had taken on career starters registered high levels of satisfaction with their level of preparedness for work and very positive impact on their businesses.

Founded in 2010, LittlePod is one of many employers in the region reaping the benefits of employing graduates, having employed approximately ten higher education leavers since its foundation. With a growing number of opportunities for graduates, this company is an excellent case study of the high value of taking on graduate talent, for businesses and for the region as a whole.

Read the full case study here.

Devon County Council is supporting the University of Exeter’s efforts to increase the number of graduates staying the area. The University ‘Graduate Business Partnership’ scheme brings together the best of South West businesses with talented bright graduates. Read more about Graduate Business Partnerships on the University of Exeter website.