University awards help graduates gain top jobs

An award scheme has been launched to help improve student's chances of success amid intense competition for graduate jobs.

The Bristol PLuS Awards programme is a formal way to recognise the achievements of Bristol University students who devote time to meaningful activities, such as voluntary work, alongside their degree study.

Young people who sign up for the award are encouraged to complete at least 50 hours of work experience, either as a volunteer, in a part-time job or as part of an internship.

History student Laura Webster achieved the Bristol PLuS award last year by engaging in voluntary work to children's run activities sessions.

"I would definitely recommend applying to anyone," she said, explaining how the achievement would help make her CV stand out from the crowd when it came to applying for graduate work.

Last week, Elizabeth Bacchus, founder of The Successful CV Company, said graduates increasingly need to demonstrate how work experience and gap year activities make them better than other candidates.

Check out all the different gap year programs on offer