Adrian Dutch, Pro-Vice Chancellor (International) at the University of Bedfordshire, is championing a transformative initiative that is reshaping how higher education prepares students for their careers.
Dubbed Career Powered Education, this ambitious campaign is more than a tagline; it is a bold commitment to equipping students with the skills, experiences, and industry connections they need to excel in today’s competitive job market.
Three years ago, the University of Bedfordshire embarked on a ground-breaking curriculum change to place employability at the heart of its educational model. Reflecting on the evolution of this initiative, Adrian Dutch described it as a ‘transformative movement that aligns with the university’s mission to empower every student to succeed in the real world’.
“The modern job market is changing rapidly, and our response has been clear and unapologetic: employability,” said Adrian. “Our priority is to prepare students not just for their first job, but for the careers they will build over a lifetime.”
The campaign’s focus is on developing transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and communication – qualities that employers value and that enable students to thrive in diverse roles, even those they may not have initially envisioned.
For Adrian, this mission is deeply personal. Having attended a post-92 university similar to Bedfordshire, his career journey has spanned multiple sectors. He said:
“Many of our students will take unexpected but rewarding paths. By embedding flexibility into our teaching, we’re equipping them to succeed, no matter where their lives take them.”
Bringing employability to life
The impact of Career Powered Education is already becoming evident. A recent study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies revealed that a graduate’s degree classification often outweighs the prestige of their university when it comes to career prospects. This insight drives Bedfordshire’s focus on student success, regardless of background.
The University’s diverse student population – many of whom arrive through non-traditional routes – benefits from hands-on industry exposure.
Partnerships with organisations like Luton Town Football Club provide unique opportunities for students in fields such as sports coaching, journalism, and physiotherapy. These collaborations bring academic learning to life, bridging the gap between education and industry.
At the heart of Career Powered Education is the university’s ability to link teaching, learning and research with the needs of employers. Businesses today are seeking graduates who not only possess technical expertise but also excel in collaboration, communication and adaptability.
The university’s strong industry partnerships play a pivotal role in delivering these outcomes. One standout example is its collaboration with cybersecurity firm, Switchshop. Initially sparked by a conversation at an industry event, this partnership has grown into a robust programme where students work on live projects and gain valuable insights directly from experts.
Unlike purely online or blended models, Bedfordshire’s commitment to on-campus learning further enhances these connections. The physical campus environment fosters essential interpersonal skills – such as teamwork and cultural adaptability – that are critical in any professional setting.
Research excellence and real-world impact
While employability is the campaign’s primary focus, it is underpinned by the university’s commitment to research excellence. Far from being separate entities, research and career preparation are deeply interconnected at Bedfordshire.
Faculty members actively engage with businesses, ensuring their expertise translates into practical solutions for real-world challenges. This approach not only enriches student learning but also provides industry partners with access to cutting-edge knowledge and talent.
Collaborative research initiatives create bespoke opportunities for students, from internships to hands-on projects. These experiences ensure that graduates leave Bedfordshire not only with degrees, but also with the confidence and skills to make an immediate impact in their chosen fields.
Career Powered Education is still in its early stages, but its momentum is undeniable.
Enthusiasm among staff, students and industry partners for the initiative is palpable, with businesses recognising the campaign as a valuable opportunity to shape the workforce of tomorrow.
“Building meaningful industry connections isn’t a one-off event; it requires ongoing effort, investment, and care,” said Adrian. “But the payoff is immense, both for our students and for the university’s growing reputation.”
As the University of Bedfordshire confidently carves out a unique space in the higher education sector, Career Powered Education stands as more than just a campaign. It is a pledge to empower students to meet the challenges of the real world and succeed in their chosen careers.
For those ready to embrace the future, Bedfordshire offers the tools, connections, and support to make it happen.
To find out more or visit the website here.
