Edge publish a new report today, ‘Building Bridges Between Higher Education and Employment: Learning from practically-based higher education’. The report, produced in collaboration with UCL’s Institute of Education, focuses on the complexities of building bridges between higher education (HE) and industry. Specifically, it unpacks the ways in which HE institutions respond to these complexities and develop approaches and strategies to enable students to engage with industries and learn alongside industry professionals.
The research took a case study approach using qualitative methods, looking at two post-92 HE institutions in England. Research was firstly carried out on the two case study universities, exploring the skills and employment profiles of their local areas. Secondly, empirical data was collected using semi-structured interviews with a range of stakeholders from the two universities, including members of the senior leadership teams, heads of schools, lecturers, staff members with either a university-level or school-level professional role such as employment engagement officers, and students.
Edge commissioned this work to identify and explore characteristics, challenges and implications of practically based and industry engaged HE models. Specifically we wanted to understand what the main features of practically-based/industry engaged HE models are and how these contribute to university transformation - how do these models support HE graduates skills development and employability? This is timely research because contemporary policy and research debates are signposting the important issue of higher education graduates’ work readiness. Many universities are introducing programmes that are supported by industry in a variety of ways and are more practically-based.
Our Key Findings:
- Employability is a core university priority – Beyond traditional career services, employability is now integrated into curricula, requiring active collaboration between academia and industry.
- New staff roles supporting employability – Universities are reshaping existing academic roles and creating new positions to drive work-based learning initiatives.
- Practical learning for real-world impact – Curricula are being designed to emphasise applied knowledge, offering students hands-on experience through placements, client projects, and industry collaboration.
- Industry partnerships are critical but challenging – While employer engagement is essential, sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships require continuous effort and strategic collaboration.
- Equity and access remain a priority – Universities are incorporating personal career planning into employability strategies, with targeted support for students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Andrea Laczik, Director of Research, Edge Foundation“Our findings indicate that listening to and involving employers as equal and active partners provides a meaningful foundation for sustained cooperation and industry engagement.”
This report underscores the importance of fostering stronger links between HE and the workplace, ensuring that students gain valuable industry insights, professional networks, and confidence as they transition into employment.
Report written by
Kat Emms, Andrea Laczik, Natasha Kersh
