Developed with employers from across the region, the EDGE Online Skills Awards – standing for Engage, Develop, Grow, Excel – is an online programme designed to prepare students for the world of work.
The short courses are endorsed by employer partners from a range of sectors and cover essential workplace skills – from communication and teamwork to leadership and problem-solving.
Carolina Salinas, Head of Employability and Graduate Outcomes, said: “As a university, we are committed to making sure that every one of our students leaves us with not just a degree, but the skills, confidence, and connections to succeed – and it’s our mission to help retain talent right here in our region. That’s why we are delighted to officially launch our EDGE Online Skills Awards.
“EDGE is here to give students practical careers education and equip them with the skills that employers are looking for. It’s flexible, online, and designed to fit around a student’s studies.”
She added: “This programme wouldn’t exist without our employer partners who have worked alongside us to design the awards, showing their ongoing commitment to our students.”
The first phase of awards have launched with the following employers:
- Enterprise Mobility – Leadership Skills Award
- Chatty Duck Creative – Personal Branding Skills Award
- Parts Town – Customer Excellence Skills Award
- Nzero – Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving Skills Award
- Browns Distribution – Planning & Organisation Skills Award
- VAST – Good Citizenship Skills Award
Phase Two, launching at Easter 2026, will expand the programme with further awards covering digital capability, negotiation, wellbeing, and neurodiversity in the workplace, supported by even more employer partners.
EDGE is the latest in a range of careers support offered to students to bridge the gap between university and professional life.
Earlier this year, University of Staffordshire was ranked 3rd in the UK for Career Prospects at the 2025 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), which is based entirely on student feedback.
The programme was officially launched today by Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Jones at the University’s Careers and Placements Festival. The week-long event brings hundreds of employers onto campus, offering opportunities for students to boost their skills through employability activities and networking sessions.
Professor Jones said: “Empowering students to feel career-ready is essential for their future success – and we are now working to embed EDGE into the curriculum so that these awards become part of students’ everyday learning experience.
“EDGE represents the very best of what can be achieved when universities and businesses work together. By collaborating with employers from across our region, we’re building a stronger, more connected talent pipeline that supports both our graduates and the local economy.”