Universal WorldEvents has announced that it has taken on four students as part of its new university placement scheme.

The Leicestershire-based agency launched the scheme to strengthen its relationship with academic institutions offering event management degrees. Working with universities throughout the UK, Universal WorldEvents received 45 student applications to attend an assessment centre organised by the agency in May. The applications were shortlisted to 12 undergraduates who were all looking for a year’s work placement as part of their degree course.

Following the assessments, the company recruited event management students Laura Callaghan from Leeds Met, Jessica Dodsley from Sheffield Hallam University and Laura Paddock from the University of Chester. Hannah Schofield who is studying marketing at Plymouth University has also been recruited to work in the sales and marketing team at the agency.

Denise Abbott, UK country director, commented: “This is a brand new scheme we have implemented to demonstrate our commitment to universities offering event management degrees. Although the academic background is important, we understand that staff learn vital event management skills ‘on the job’ and not just in the classroom, and so we are very pleased to offer these valuable placements to our lucky candidates. We look forward to seeing their event careers flourish.”

Pictured: Left to right, Laura Callaghan, Jessica Dodsley and Hannah Schofield