By Isabel Chinan

BT has been accused of ‘adding to the job market woes’ by cutting their graduate scheme in the worst possible economic climate, where the amount of students and graduates out of work are at an all time high. This sudden cut will undoubtedly worry students and make them wonder ‘what if this is the beginning of a trend for companies, if they continue to cut graduate schemes how will I get into the job I want?’

Despite the fact that BT has cut a scheme which 4,800 people applied for last year it should send out an important message to graduates and students. That message is if more graduate schemes are removed in the future, students will have to consider the fact that a degree alone might not be enough to land them a job they want.

I asked Adrian Linden from Reed employment agency, what advice the company gives students and graduates who are looking for work. He replied: ‘We don’t tell students there isn’t any work around; there are a lot of opportunities which are permanent and temporary but it is important to make yourself as employable as possible. You need to have a combination of having the best grades and having as much relevant experience.’

According to HESA (Higher Education Careers Service) 136,860 students left university in 2007/2008 with an upper 2:1, this is the minimum degree level for most graduate schemes. Reports have shown more students applying for university this year and the amount of students achieving ‘good grades’ could go increase compared to last year.

I think the government and political parties need to reassure students that their degrees are not worthless but in our economic climate it’s vital that they have something extra to offer employers. Most students go into university with the idea of getting a degree and hoping that alone will land them their dream job. It’s up to politicians to create more opportunities for students when they leave university and when they are looking for a job. This could be done by making it essential for students to attend work experience placements during their course at college or university. Work experience will not only look good on their C.V. but it will also help students decide whether or not the course they’re taking is putting them on the right career path.