University celebrates double GRAFTA shortlisting

June 2026

By Claire Huggins

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The Graduate Futures Institute has announced the shortlist of entries for their Graduate Futures Awards (GRAFTAs) and University College Birmingham is up for two!

The GRAFTAs exist to highlight the hard work and dedication of those working to improve graduate employability outcomes; across Birmingham and the surrounds, a consortium of local universities has come together to secure opportunities for graduates where employers need them most and enhance the regional skills pipeline.

“University College Birmingham is unapologetically industry-focused," said Melissa Willis, Director of Student Employability (Higher Education).

“These collaborative projects demonstrate the commitment we make to our students not only during their studies, but long after they graduate. To have this work shortlisted for awards is a wonderful recognition of the dedication, innovation and impact of the teams involved.”

The External Partnerships award

The Higher Level Skills Match Plus (HLSM Plus) programme has been shortlisted for the External Partnerships award.

Managed by Birmingham City University (BCU), we have been working in partnership with Aston University and the University of Birmingham on delivering this programme designed to tackle graduate underemployment and unemployment, across Birmingham and Solihull.

Initially focused on Birmingham’s Enterprise Zone businesses, before broadening its reach, the programme aims to identify the higher level skills needs of the employer, then working to match those needs with the graduate talent available.

Funded by Birmingham City Council, the project is managed in alignment with local economic development goals, boosts the talent pipeline across the region and positions Birmingham as an attractive investment option.

"University College Birmingham is unapologetically industry-focused. These collaborative projects demonstrate the commitment we make to our students not only during their studies, but long after they graduate."

Melissa Willis Director of Student Employability (Higher Education)

The Graduate Impact award (sponsored by Access)

The Graduate Re-Tune (GR) project has been shortlisted for the Graduate Impact Award.

This programme was initially developed as an Office for Students (OfS) funded pilot, delivered through a partnership between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Jobcentre Plus, alongside Birmingham City University and Aston University.

Following the pilot’s success, the project evolved into a sustained, district-wide support offer; the University of Birmingham, University College Birmingham and the National Careers Service formally joined the project to further fill the long-standing gap between university services and mainstream provision.

It is the only formalised UK partnership of its kind.

Joining 18 months ago saw us cement our commitment to “enable those who learn with us to be empowered, enriched and employed in high-quality jobs”.

GR is open to any graduate who is registered with a Jobcentre in Greater Birmingham or Solihull. The project aims to tackle graduate under and unemployment by initially investigating their causes. This data is then used to identify progression and support opportunities for graduates.

Working with a dedicated Graduate Re-Tune Consultant, the graduate explores the opportunities available and any personal barriers to pursuing them.

Why this recognition matters for graduate futures

Recent findings from the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute’s 2026 Graduate Outlook Survey show that many graduates across the UK remain uncertain about their job prospects and feel underprepared for the transition into work. The recognition for HLSM Plus and Graduate Re-Tune demonstrates how regional collaboration can directly address these concerns and create clearer, more confident pathways into high quality employment.

“At a time when national surveys show graduates are increasingly anxious about their future careers, programmes like HLSM Plus and Graduate Re-Tune show what’s possible when universities work together with employers and civic partners,” adds Robyn Fisher-Payne, Acting Head of Skills & Community Projects at BCU.

“These nominations recognise not just our collective effort, but the real impact this work is having on graduates across the region.”

As the awards approach (Thursday, 2 July), the recognition for both HLSM Plus and Graduate Re-Tune reflects not only the power of partnership working, but the shared drive across Birmingham to improving graduate futures.

Nearly 2,000 graduates have experienced positive outcomes from these programmes, this, and being shortlisted twice, highlights the impact that collaborative, evidence driven employability work can have, and serves to reinforce UCB’s determination to keep championing opportunities that help graduates thrive in Birmingham and beyond.

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