Wednesday 14 April will be a day to remember for many employers in Aberdeen. A student “hit-squad” will be out and about delivering leaflets to employers in the retail, hospitality and manual employment sectors giving details on the University of Aberdeen’s Joblink employment service. The service is free to all employers.
Joblink was established in 1996 with the generous support of Scottish Brewers for an initial 4-year period as an employment service for students at the University of Aberdeen.
Joblink Manager, Tracey Price explained: “Since Joblink was established, we have been able to find a wide range of jobs for students, both in and outwith term time. Types of work vary from bar, promotional and caring for children and the elderly to computing, engineering and administration work. We’ve also had some stranger ones as well – Flamenco dancing, modelling for Wedding Exhibitions, Santa Claus and food taster for Marks and Spencer
“The overall aim of the initiative is to alleviate student financial hardship by improving access to, and the quality of, part-time and vacation employment. Over 600 employers have used our service, the vast majority of whom come back to us time and time again. At any one time, we help around 20% of our student population in their search for employment.”
“Hit-squad” activities will be followed by delivery of information packs to larger companies throughout all the industrial estates in Aberdeen, to be followed up with discussions with their human resources department.
“We want to ensure that as many employers as possible in Aberdeen and surrounding area are made aware of our service. Given the added financial burden of fees, the Joblink service is of vital importance to our student community and I am delighted that Scottish Brewers are continuing their valuable support of our work by helping us to provide the t-shirts for our “hit-squads”, added Miss Price.
4th year student Joan Edwards found employment at Carewatch through Joblink. “Joblink is just the service we need – bridging the gap between employers and students – and made my task of successful job hunting very much easier.”
Seona Cumming, a 2nd year Political Studies student added: “As a student living in University accommodation, I don’t receive the Aberdeen free papers and I tend not to buy other local papers. This means that my access to job vacancies is severely restricted as most companies advertise in the local press.
“Joblink solved that problem. It is the best way for students to find information on part-time and vacation work; and the best way for employers to contact students. I found employment at the first job I applied for though Joblink and I am very grateful for all the advise and help I received from the staff.”
Joblink is popular with employers as well: “We have used Joblink in the past. Employing students is beneficial to our company as they provide a higher calibre of applicant and are tuned into aspects
like customer service,” says Graham Simpson, Security Training and Standards Officer, BAA Aberdeen.
Further information and details on photo opportunity from:
Tracey Price, Joblink Manager 01224 658071 or e-mail: Joblink@abdn.ac.uk