Broadening Horizons

Cardiff University students will be given the opportunity to bolster their CVs and future job prospects with the launch of a new employability hub in the Students' Union.

The Centre for Skills, Enterprise & Volunteering is home to three core student services, which ensure that Cardiff continues to offer its students much more than just a degree. It was officially opened by the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan on 9 October 2012.

Located in the Centre are three of the University's successful student services all of which help provide students with additional training, qualifications and experience.

Speaking at the launch Professor Riordan said: "I'm delighted to be able to give my full support to the Centre and the services it provides.

"In an increasingly competitive graduate jobs market the additional skills that students can develop during their time here are critical to their future success. I hope as many of our students as possible take full advantage of these superb initiatives."

The Skills Development Service works with students to bolster their transferable skills offering courses such as leadership, communication and personal effectiveness. The Service will, from this year, be offering programmes accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Also based in the Centre is Student Volunteering Cardiff (SVC), an independent student-led charity which supports around 1000 students to volunteer on projects in and around the Cardiff area. Established in 1971, SVC works with the elderly, the homeless and those with physical or learning disabilities on short and long-term projects. It is estimated that annually SVC volunteers contribute more than £40,000 to the local economy.

Student Enterprise Cardiff aims to inspire students to generate and act upon their ideas, offering a practical mix of expertise, guest speakers and start-up support. The service attracts more than 2000 students a year, working with them to establish new business or social ventures. They also offer workshops on self employment for those interested in enterprise and small business.

Harry Newman, Students' Union President said: "The space is a huge asset to the Union and goes some way to meeting the increased expectations of our new students. I have every faith that this is the first of many such developments to the building, providing a worthy home to our first class services."