University recognised for excellence in employability and careers support

The University has been shortlisted for the Enabling Excellence Award and the Excellence in Work-Based Learning and Placements Award, which celebrate outstanding and innovative practice in careers and employability across the UK higher education sector, supporting positive outcomes for students and graduates. 

This recognition underpins Leeds Trinity’s sector-leading work to improve graduate outcomes through personalised support, data-led interventions, and inclusive placement opportunities, overseen by its Careers+Placements service. 

The University’s pioneering Graduate Outcomes Tracking system enables earlier and more personalised support for students and graduates utilising progression interview data and post-graduation tracking insights to build a more accurate picture of graduate progression. The approach reflects Leeds Trinity’s commitment to providing a tailored experience for each student and includes innovative practices to identify learners who are most at risk of disengagement, so they can be supported in a targeted way. 

One such practice is a Risk Calculator, which assesses different risk factors to determine which students are less likely to find a placement or graduate role, and what they might need to progress. Students who have received extra support so far have registered improved engagement with placements and higher module marks, with fewer high-risk students receiving a Fail. 

Leeds Trinity has a reputation for excellence in career-led learning, embedding work placements across its undergraduate and postgraduate provisions, so all students have an opportunity to gain relevant industry experience before graduating. This has continued to go from strength to strength, with work‑based learning a core component of the curriculum, supported by over 1,500 employer partners.   

During the academic year 2025/26, the University will deliver more than 2,000 placements across professional, nursing and teaching programmes, while students across other subject areas complete placements and work-based projects designed to build career-ready skills at every stage of study.  

Emily Timson, Director of Graduate Outcomes and Enterprise at Leeds Trinity University, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and reflects the dedication of colleagues across the University as we continue to deliver our vision of being a career-led and applied university, ensuring our students achieve outstanding outcomes during their studies and beyond graduation. We are known for treating every student as a name, not a number, supporting each individual to transform through learning and realise their full potential. 

“These nominations recognise the innovative and inclusive approaches we are taking to embed employability throughout the student experience and create meaningful opportunities that enable our graduates to progress into fulfilling careers and shape the world around them.” 

Winners of the Graduate Futures Awards 2026 will be announced later this year.