An innovative partnership between Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Beckett University and the University of Leeds has been nominated for 'Outstanding University Partnership with an Employer and/or Supplier' at the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) Awards 2019.

#InLeeds is a city-wide initiative which aims to promote Leeds as a graduate career destination of choice and highlight the quality of life within the city for young professionals. Other partners include Leeds City Council, PwC, FDM and Ahead Partnership.

Since its launch in 2016, more than 20 employers have participated in the scheme, giving over 250 Leeds students the opportunity to meet with employers to discuss their career prospects in Leeds after graduating.

Taking place annually, the #InLeeds Day brings together students from across the three universities to take part in a one-day challenge visiting employers to showcase Leeds as a city of opportunity for young professionals. Students are supported with confidence building activities and tasks to develop their skills in networking, presentation, communication, team work and commercial awareness. The day culminates in a group challenge judged by the #InLeeds partners.

Jess Sewter, Head of Partnerships, Placements and Employment at Leeds Trinity University, said: "We are delighted to have been involved in the #InLeeds partnership and be recognised for efforts in improving graduate retention at the ISE Awards. Although at Leeds Trinity University, our graduate retention rates are higher than average, with 78% choosing to stay in Leeds, the #InLeeds partnership is a great opportunity for our students to find out more about career opportunities they might not have considered before and meet a range of fantastic prospective employers before they graduate."

Student feedback carried out after the event confirmed that partner employers had assisted in raising the aspirations for all participants. 70% said that they were considering staying in Leeds after graduation (prior to the event this was 30%), while some have even accepted jobs with FDM, Sagar Wright, NHS Digital and Charlton Morris.

Cindy Beckworth, a Business and Management graduate from Leeds Trinity University attended an #InLeeds day in February 2018. She is now working as an Account Executive at Creative Emporium in Leeds.

Cindy said: "I found the #InLeeds event very helpful in terms of getting to learn about businesses that operate in Leeds, that I was previously unaware of. I finished the event with a sense of achievement after creating and delivering a presentation to business partners. This boosts your confidence when going to graduate scheme assessment days. I found the experience very rewarding whilst being pushed outside of my comfort zone."

Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, said: "This initiative is playing an important role encouraging graduates to stay and return to the city. We know Leeds is an excellent career destination and #InLeeds is a great way of linking students with city employers to influence and inform their career ambitions. We have collectively managed to reverse the "brain drain" of graduates to a "brain gain" and initiatives like this have been vital."

The ISE Awards will celebrate the work of more than 30 employers, universities and industry suppliers in recognition of their commitment to raising standards in student marketing, recruitment and development.

The Awards will be held on Tuesday 9 July in Manchester, hosted by comedian Shappi Khorsandi. For more informationclick here.