The University of Lincoln Students’ Union is preparing to launch a new service in September to help students look for employment during their courses.

Called JobShop, it is a joint venture with the university’s own Opportunities team, also known as Enterprise@Lincoln. JobShop aims to help students develop skills to make them more attractive to employers, in addition to guidance offered by Enterprise@Lincoln.

On its website (www.lincolnsu.com/jobshop), the scheme will advertise part-time, casual, temporary, and holiday jobs for current students, as well as vacancies for the university’s graduates. The site is still under construction and currently has no jobs listed.

“The Job Shop will run similarly to a Job Centre model. Vacancies will be displayed within the SOAP Centre as well as on the website. A full-time drop-in service and booked appointment system will allow students to get help with any employment related issues,” says Jess Anderton, the JobShop’s co-ordinator.

Students can drop in between 9am and 4pm on weekdays. Those who register with the JobShop will be sent emails about new job vacancies. Also, there will be support for writing CVs and preparing for interviews.

“It’s key that the University and Union actively work together to ensure that the financial burden placed on students due to high tuition fees and such harsh economic times can be eased through services as the JobShop and Enterprise@Lincoln,” says Chris Charnley, the SU’s president.

There are also plans to hold employer and employability events in the near future, where students can talk to local employers and possibly find a job. The employability events will help students make the most of their skills developed during part-time employment.