Nottingham Trent University

Enhancing graduate employability through embracing sustainability

Based on increasing demand, from students and employers, for graduates to contribute towards the journey to Net Zero in any role/sector, Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Employability introduced a new Sustainability Employability Award in 2021. This was developed in partnership with NTU’s Green Academy and other colleagues from across NTU.

By undertaking the Award, students build relevant knowledge and competences, resulting in the accumulation of evidence to demonstrate their sustainability literacy to future employers.

The initiative rewards engagement in a wide range of sustainability-related opportunities (relevant employability workshops, Sustainability-in-Practice course, Enactus/Oikos etc.) which can be undertaken by any student. Crucially, the Award requires reflection which builds confidence to articulate the benefits.

This is an output of Employability’s Sustainability Task Group, set up in 2020 following Carbon Literacy Training, and inspired by NTU’s strategic pillar ‘Embracing Sustainability’. Our overall aim is to have a positive impact on students’ future careers by connecting employability to sustainability.

Top 3 Learnings

1. We believe Sustainability Literacy should be recognised as a graduate attribute.
2. We believe Sustainability Literacy allows students to deliver impact, now and in the future.
3. We believe Sustainability Literacy plays a crucial role in supporting organisations to achieve Net Zero.