I have been accepted to host a conversation at the UAL Education Conference 2024, which will be held at Central Saint Martins on 9th July 2024. My proposal, submitted in April 2024, centers around examining the potential impact of the Employability Hub at London College of Communication (LCC) on influencing social justice within student and industry engagement.
The conversation will delve into how the Employability Hub can promote equitable outcomes, especially for marginalised groups, by providing access to employment opportunities—a primary concern for students during their studies and post-graduation. By understanding the role of careers divisions in fostering social justice, we can identify how these hubs can be the most influential factors in enhancing student and industry engagement. I look forward to exploring these critical issues with colleagues and contributing to the broader dialogue on social justice in education.
Preliminary findings suggest that the hub plays a vital role in promoting social justice by preparing externals for interactions. EDI training prior to engagement provided tailored content, facilitated opportunities, and advocated for inclusive practices. However, challenges related to the duration of the intervention, resource allocation, and persistent systemic barriers underscore the need for ongoing collaboration and advocacy efforts. The intervention has the potential to promote equitable access to employment opportunities and advance social justice and inclusion within the industry, contingent on consistent application and rigorous criteria for externals.