National award for careers engagement teams

The University and Babcock are celebrating success at the TARGET jobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021
(L-R) Sarah Frankis and Simon Taylor from the University of Plymouth Careers Team, and Simon Reid and Jessica Keen from Babcock.

(L-R) Sarah Frankis and Simon Taylor from the University of Plymouth Careers Team, and Simon Reid and Jessica Keen from Babcock.


The University of Plymouth and Babcock are celebrating a national award recognising their joint work helping students and graduates excel in their careers.

Babcock won the Excellence in Careers and Employability Service Engagement award, after being nominated by the University, at the TARGET jobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. The winner was chosen by the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS).

Held at London’s Grosvenor Hotel, the awards recognise the best practices among recruiters nationwide, as well as the programmes that help nurture the UK’s brightest talent.

As one of the region’s largest employers, Babcock has longstanding links with the University of Plymouth, and has recently developed a bespoke mentoring programme to connect students from widening participation backgrounds with industry professionals with the aim of boosting confidence, networks and industry insight.

Babcock is also the long-term sponsor and designer of the University’s FLUX competition – where students compete in teams to find a solution for a business challenge. Over the last 10 years, around 600 students have benefitted from this experience.

All of this work complements Babcock’s ongoing support for the University’s placement and graduate careers fairs, and its regular contributions to guest lectures and placements.

Steve Gaskin, Head of Careers and Employability at the University of Plymouth, said: 

“We are delighted that Babcock has been recognised for its efforts nationally in the world of university-employer partnerships and graduate recruitment. It is thoroughly deserved and shows the depth and breadth of our relationship and how we are working together for mutual benefit.

“The shortlist was especially competitive this year after such a challenging 18 months due to COVID-19, so this accolade feels even more special. We are immensely grateful for Babcock’s long-standing support, and we know that this award will only consolidate and catalyse our initiatives, relationships and networks further.”

Dr Steve Gaskin
(L-R) Jessica Keen, Simon Reid from Babcock and Sarah Frankis and Simon Taylor from the University of Plymouth Careers Team
(L-R) Jessica Keen and Simon Reid from Babcock, and Sarah Frankis and Simon Taylor from the University of Plymouth Careers Team

Simon Reid, Managing Director for the Strategic Partnering Programme at Babcock, said: 

“Babcock is proud of its long standing and collaborative partnership with the University of Plymouth where together we continue to inspire, help and support so many people. Over the past three years alone, 39 Babcock mentors have provided students with one-to-one support, which is fantastic, and we know there are some incredible students coming through.

“Winning this prestigious award is a fitting tribute and recognition of all of the hard work, passion and commitment by everyone involved. I’m excited about the future possibilities of our partnership.”


What the students say: 

“The mentoring scheme was really helpful. It allowed me to start networking, utilise LinkedIn as well as sorting my CV out and making it something to be proud of.  I would really like to thank my mentor for helping to guide me and inspire me about the world of engineering.”

“I found the insight day very valuable; this was definitely one of the biggest factors that made such a good impression of Babcock. Everyone who spoke sounded sincere about how comfortable they are working at Babcock, which filled me with confidence about pursuing Babcock as a career.”

“My Mentor has been really friendly and was genuinely interested in me and my studies. He has provided me with a spectrum of different ideas and solutions which I can take forward with me. He was always approachable, and I feel lucky to have been able to take part in the programme.”

Careers hub