Pounds 8m lift for skills projects

ARTS and humanities students may gain the most from a new Pounds 8 million scheme to boost graduate employability.

The cash will fund 55 development projects in higher education institutions around the country. The projects will focus on eight key areas: skills in higher education, recording achievement, work experience, guidance for graduates, higher level lifelong learning, labour market intelligence in higher education, graduate business start-ups and innovation and creativity in the curriculum.

Education minister Baroness Blackstone said: "These projects will be particularly valuable in improving employability of non-vocational graduates." The projects, due to start next month, will also help bosses make best use of the skills and knowledge of graduates.