UCB collaboration wins two national employability awards | News

July 2026

University celebrates double national awards success for Graduate Re-Tune partnership

By Claire Huggins

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University College Birmingham (UCB) is celebrating double national awards success after Graduate Re-Tune, the regional employability partnership, secured two major accolades recognising its impact on graduate employment, early careers progression and skills development across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

The wins follow the University’s recent double Graduate Futures Awards (GRAFTAs) shortlisting, where both Graduate Re‑Tune and HLSM Plus were recognised for tackling graduate underemployment across Birmingham and Solihull.

Graduate Re-Tune wins two national employability awards

Graduate Re-Tune, led by Birmingham City University and delivered in collaboration with University College Birmingham, Aston University, the University of Birmingham, the National Careers Service, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and Birmingham and Solihull Jobcentre Plus, has achieved:

‘Graduate Impact Award’ at the Graduate Futures Awards
‘Collaboration for Impact in Early Talent’ at the Institute for Student Employers (ISE) Awards 2026

The Graduate Futures Awards attracted more than 200 submissions from across the UK and Ireland, while the ISE Awards celebrated 113 entries, leading to 54 finalists from areas such as attraction, development and recruitment.

Judges praised Graduate Re-Tune’s measurable outcomes, multi-agency model and strong focus on supporting underrepresented graduates.

The ISE Awards further recognised Graduate Re-Tune’s coordinated, place-based approach to early careers development and its success in bringing together universities, government agencies and employers to improve access to high-quality graduate opportunities.

University College Birmingham’s contribution to the partnership

“University College Birmingham is proud to be part of Graduate Re‑Tune, a partnership that reflects our commitment to supporting graduates beyond graduation and helping them access meaningful opportunities across the region,” said Melissa Willis, UCB’s Director of Student Employability (Higher Education).

“By connecting talented graduates with local employers, we are not only supporting individual career success but also contributing to the skills, growth and resilience of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands economy.”

Her comments build on UCB’s earlier recognition at the GRAFTAs, reinforcing the University’s commitment to collaborative employability initiatives that support graduates long after their studies.

"By connecting talented graduates with local employers, we are not only supporting individual career success but also contributing to the skills, growth and resilience of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands economy."

Melissa Willis Director of Student Employability (Higher Education)

What Graduate Re-Tune delivers for graduates

Graduate Re-Tune provides tailored, progression-focused careers support to unemployed and underemployed graduates registered with Jobcentre Plus, regardless of their higher education background.

Key features include:

structured diagnostics to identify strengths and barriers
dedicated consultant relationships offering personalised guidance
multi-channel delivery, ensuring accessible support
in-work progression model, helping graduates navigate early career challenges.

Crucially, for graduates, the programme aims to provide continuity, supporting them into employment and helping them progress confidently once in work.

Graduate Re-Tune has previously been recognised nationally, winning the Excellence in Building Effective Partnerships award at the 2022 Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) Awards.

Strengthening Birmingham’s graduate talent pipeline

Mark Whitehouse, Employer and Partnership Lead for DWP Birmingham, added:

"We are delighted to see this partnership recognised. Its success is a testament to the commitment, professionalism and collaboration of our recruitment advisers and work coaches, whose support has helped many graduates secure rewarding career opportunities.

"At the same time, their work has enabled employers to recruit talented, motivated and work-ready individuals, delivering positive outcomes for everyone involved."

These latest awards reinforce Graduate Re-Tune’s reputation as a leading example of collaborative, place-based employability support. They also highlight how successful collaboration with organisations across the region can work to improve graduate outcomes, widen access to high-quality employment and strengthen the wider West Midlands economy.

HIRED is our impartial careers, employability and placements service for students and alumni at University College Birmingham.

Main photo (L-R): Melissa Willis - Director of Student Employability, University College Birmingham. Award presented by Alex Innes, Access Learning. Sandeep Solanki - Graduate Re-Tune Programme Manager, Birmingham City University. Jason Coke - Youth Hub Work Coach, Department for Work and Pensions. Uwais Kasujee - Graduate Re-Tune Consultant, Department for Work and Pensions. Robyn Fisher-Payne - Acting Head of Skills & Community Projects, Birmingham City University. Saba Javed - Graduate & Student Employability Manager, University of Birmingham.

Credit: Phil Gordos, External Relations Manager, BCU.