Work Based Learning Programmes for Employers

Work based learning programmes provide meaningful employer engagement with a diverse range of high calibre students from mixed disciplines and insight into potential candidate’s skills and motivations. Depending on the nature of the programme, work based learning programmes can also provide businesses with fresh ideas and innovation, access to prospective future talent, staff CPD, and support organisational EDI objectives.

Work-Based Learning Programme Offer:

Durham Career Mentoring Programme – Mentor Opportunity
Mini Consultancy Competition – Employer Opportunity
Employer Insight Programme – Showcase Your Organisation to Future Talent

To get involved, complete our Expression of interest form or email work.experience@durham.ac.uk to arrange a conversation with our project delivery team.

Low Carbon North: Sustainable Futures

Connect with future talent for the North East’s low carbon economy.

Low Carbon North: Sustainable Futures is a funded partnership between Durham University and Newcastle University, in collaboration with ORE-Catapult, aimed at supporting regional employers who contribute to the offshore wind, low carbon energy and wider supply chain to connect with students and graduates.

Building on their partnership work through the Energy Central Institute, the project focusses on employer-led learning, virtual work experience, workplace insight and careers-focused activity, to help students and graduates understand the opportunities, skills and career pathways shaping the North East’s low carbon future.

Employer engagement is free of charge.

Get involved

To get involved, complete our expression of interest form or email work.experience@durham.ac.uk to arrange a conversation with our project delivery team.

Work Based Learning Programmes for Employers - Durham University

The Durham Career Mentoring Programme is a three-month hybrid career mentoring programme designed to connect early-career professionals with ambitious second-and third-year undergraduate students from Durham University across a wide range of academic disciplines. This initiative offers employers the opportunity to:

Engage directly with emerging talent
Support the professional development of junior staff
Raise your organisation’s profile with the next generation of graduates

We’re particularly keen to partner with professionals who have graduated within the last five years (from any UK or international university), and who are enthusiastic about inspiring students at the early stages of their career journey.

Benefits to Your Organisation and Staff

Enhance leadership, coaching, and communication skills of your junior staff through mentoring experience
Provide meaningful professional development opportunities for your employees
Strengthen your talent pipeline by connecting with high-potential students
Showcase your organisation’s culture and values to future applicants

Programme Overview

One-on-one mentoring between students and early-career professionals
Hybrid delivery model (remote and/or in-person engagements)
Structured support including guidance materials and optional skill-building workshops and networking events

Impact on Students

Builds confidence, industry awareness, and employability skills
Provides insight into career pathways, work culture, and practical career advice
Encourages aspirations through real-world engagement

By participating in the Durham Career Mentoring Programme, your team will help shape the career journeys of motivated students while developing their own mentoring and leadership capabilities. This is a mutually beneficial opportunity to invest in talent, both inside and outside your organisation.

Costs and further information available to follow EOI

Expression of Interest

Looking for fresh insight into a business challenge? Partner with Durham University and benefit from the talent, creativity, and analytical skills of three diverse student consultancy teams.
Over the course of just three weeks, your organisation will work with high-achieving Durham students as they apply their knowledge to develop innovative, practical solutions to a real business issue you provide.

Why Get Involved?

Gain three unique perspectives on a current business challenge from multidisciplinary student teams
Receive cost-effective, value-for-money consultancy, delivered within a short time frame
Engage with top student talent and assess potential future recruits in action
Raise your organisation’s profile with Durham University students
Bring a fresh, diverse lens to your organisation’s thinking

What You Provide

A genuine business problem or challenge for students to tackle
Brief guidance at key points throughout the project

What You Receive

Three distinct solutions to a business challenge
A final presentation from each team
An opportunity to spot emerging talent and build connections with the university

This is a flexible, low-commitment way to access new thinking, support student development, and explore future recruitment opportunities—all while contributing to meaningful university engagement.

Costs and further information available to follow EOI

Expression of Interest

The Employer Insight Programme is a unique opportunity for your organisation to engage directly with motivated Durham University students, while gaining valuable insights into the next generation of graduate talent.

Through a combination of on-campus, remote, and on-site activities, you’ll build meaningful connections with students exploring career options in your sector.

Why Participate?

Gain direct insight into the skills, interests, and motivations of potential future recruits
Showcase your organisation, culture, and career pathways to high-calibre students
Engage with students early in their career journey—building awareness, trust, and interest in your brand
Support your early careers strategy by identifying future talent and raising your graduate employer profile

Programme Highlights

Launch/Mixer Event (On Campus): Meet participating students, introduce your organisation, and start building relationships
Employer-led Workshops or Panels: Deliver 1–2 skills-based sessions or student/graduate panel events (on campus or virtually)
Insight Day at Your Premises: Host a site visit and networking session to give students a deeper understanding of your business and working environment
Student Work Shadowing: Offer a behind-the-scenes experience through informal shadowing of staff
Sector-Relevant Training: Students complete industry-related online training (e.g. project management certification) to enhance their employability

By taking part, your team will help inspire and inform the career decisions of Durham students, while identifying enthusiastic and capable individuals who may become future interns, placement students, or graduates within your organisation.

Costs and further information available to follow EOI

Expression of Interest