SRHE Conference, 6/7 December 2011. New communities, spaces and places: inspiring futures for higher education

1. Beyond graduation: graduate
outcomes in a devolved nation.
By Teresa Crew
Bangor University

2.  Discussion of graduate outcomes is dominated by a UK-wide
experience.
 An ESRC study researching the destinations of graduates in north
Wales
• employment;
• further study and
• unemployment)

4. A mixed methods approach:
 Analysis of statistics of graduate outcomes in North Wales
 Biographical interviews with graduates across the study area

5.  Over half of all vacancies require some level of Welsh language
skills.
 Public sector vacancies were more likely to say such skills are
essential, for employment in the voluntary sector they are desirable.
 Results varied for private sector employment.
 Welsh language skills considered an asset all over north Wales

6. “Sometimes I would apply for jobs that say need to be fluent in Welsh
and sometimes it puts me off so I think it varies with my confidence
on the day!” (BG009).
“I can certainly carry out a conversation in Welsh, write quite well but I
wouldn't want to write a report in Welsh, nor give a presentation. It’s
not about my Welsh language skills its about writing in Welsh in a
professional manner”. (BG003)

7.  Over half of roles in North Wales required some level of Welsh
language skills
 Bilingual skills are perceived to be a regional asset by graduates
 There are differences between north east and north west Wales but
perhaps not as pronounced as might appear

8.  Continue to interview graduates in North Wales, focusing on:
• Graduates from one of four degree awarding institutions
• Graduates with first language Welsh

9. ESRC funded study
Title: Beyond Graduation: the trajectories of graduates in north Wales
Email: Teresa Crew
sopc2c@bangor.ac.uk

10. Any questions?