FIVE Aberystwyth University students have received achievement awards for demonstrating excellence in paid summer work placements.

The Trainee Recognition Awards were presented by construction firm Balfour Beatty, who built the university’s student accommodation at Fferm Penglais, which opened in 2015.

Aleksandra Kucharska was awarded £500 for an outstanding achievement award while £250 achievement awards were presented to Eleanor Upton-Heath, Matthew Spratt, Alexander Thomson and Rebecca Snell.

All five had completed a four-week work placement as part of the university’s AberForward scheme, along with 56 other undergraduates.

The aim of the AberForward scheme is to give students a practical introduction to the workplace and develop their employability skills further before they begin their final year of study.

The director of the Careers Service at Aberystwyth University, Sian Furlong-Davies said: “All 60 students on this summer’s AberForward scheme have benefited from the opportunity to develop their work based abilities and experience, as well as recognise the transferable skills and competencies they have.

“They make a valued contribution to the work of the university and I congratulate them all.”

The latest survey showing where graduates are six months after leaving university showed that 96.8 per cent of Aberystwyth University students were either in work or further study.

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