FEWER than one in six graduates seeking their first job have been successful since the pandemic hit in March, new research reveals.
And only two thirds still feel positive about their prospects, with confidence levels plummeting 20 per cent in a year, the study, by staffing firm Walters People, shows.
To help this troubled generation of university leavers, Monday saw the launch of the first National Graduate Week.
Set up by job experts Careermap, the event features free online talks, webinars from key graduate recruiters and events focusing on the sectors that are still hiring.
Today’s itinerary includes a talk from campaign group UK Music on how graduates can help launch innovations in the music industry.
Spokeswoman Sharon Walpole said: “Entry-level jobs are hard to come by at the moment, and they are more competitive than they have been in a long time.
“It has never been so important to put the extra leg work in to set you apart from your competition.
“In the current convoluted job market, it is important that graduates are given all the necessary resources, tools and insight to provide them with the platform to secure their dream job.”
- See nationalgraduateweek.co.uk