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We have all the answers....well nearly!

What would I be expected to pay?
We all know you get what you pay for and peanuts only attract monkeys. So to attract high calibre staff you need to be realistic. Graduate salaries depend upon the role and sector, but on average they earn around £16-17K per year. The lowest salary starts around £11,806 (basic salary, bonuses not included) and the maximum being £28,000. 

The national minimum wage is £5.73 per hour from 1st October 2008. This is the minimum rate for a student placement.

Do I employ the student/graduate directly?
Yes, the student/graduate would be employed directly by your company. We are like match-makers, introducing you to your dream employees. We are happy to help with contract templates if you need them.

How long will the recruitment process take?
How long is a piece of string?! It very much depends on the time of year and type of role. We reckon a normal recruitment process takes around a month; however, it can be much quicker during peak recruitment times in the summer and autumn. Some placements can take longer to fill due to the skills required, but rest assured we will be working our hardest to find your new recruit and we will keep you posted on how we're getting on.

How do you market the placement?
We have our fingers in many pies and have contacts across the whole region. Not only is the placement is advertised on our website and within our 12 partner universities across the region. We also have contacts in key university departments and we actively promote the placement through their Careers Services. Graduate Advantage also attends many graduate and student fairs across the region to attract the best recruits.

Can I continue the contract after the placement finishes?
If you love your new recruit and don't want to let them go, you can extend their contract. Some students come back on a part-basis whilst at university and a number of graduates become a permanent fixture!
 
Which Universities do you work with?
There are 12 universities which make up the Graduate Advantage consortium:

Aston University
Birmingham City University
Coventry University
Keele University
Newman University College
Open University West Midlands
Staffordshire University
University of Birmingham
University College Birmingham
University of Warwick
University of Wolverhampton
University of Worcester

Is there a salary subsidy or funding towards the salary?
There is a little pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!  The subsidies available vary throughout the year and eligibility criteria applies.  The Graduate Advantage Team will be able to offer advice on the latest offer and whether you are eligible.

Do we pay holiday pay?
Holiday, celebrate!  From 1 October 2007, the statutory minimum annual holiday entitlement is 4.8 weeks (24 days). From 1 April 2009, all workers, including those working part time, will be entitled to 5.6 times their usual working week - capped at a maximum of 28 days.

Do you charge a finder's fee?
A finder's fee would be lovely, but as we are funded by Advantage West Midlands we don't charge you for our services, they're grant funded - to you and me that means free!

Is there lots of paperwork involved?
A little bit of paperwork never hurt anyone and don't forget you are making a big saving on recruitment costs.  So yes, there is a small amount of paperwork involved. Your Business Development Manager will be on hand to help you complete this. No sweat!