The University of Newcastle is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Employability Excellence Awards, which recognise the outstanding contributions of students, staff, and industry partners in preparing graduates for life beyond university.
Now in its sixth year, the Employability Excellence Awards celebrate the collective efforts that support the University’s commitment to developing life-ready graduates. As the University marks 60 years of serving its regions, the Awards also reflect on the partnerships and progress that have shaped its journey and continue to drive innovation in education.
Local organisations are encouraged to nominate if they have played a role in supporting students or contributing to the University community – whether through placements, recruitment, classroom engagement, or other collaborative efforts. These contributions help students gain real-world experience and build the confidence and capabilities needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
Professor Steven Warburton, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education Innovation, said the Awards highlight the importance of collaboration between education and industry.
“Employability is a shared responsibility,” Professor Warburton said. “These awards recognise the many ways our partners help students connect their learning to real-world contexts, and ultimately, to meaningful careers.”
Award categories span a wide range of contributions, including recognition for long-standing industry partners, new collaborators, and those demonstrating excellence in equity, diversity, and inclusion. There are also awards for students who have excelled in placements, entrepreneurship, extracurricular activities, and employment.
Last year’s New Partner in Employability Award was presented to Cordel, a local tech company that has embraced student engagement as a core part of its talent strategy.
“Cordel has found great success in providing long and successful careers to students graduating from the University of Newcastle,” said Paul Mullins, General Manager Product and Delivery. “By bringing students into our ecosystem early, we aimed to support the next generation of tech talent in understanding the skills required in industry. Partnering with students allows us to demonstrate that there are exciting and innovative career opportunities right here in the Hunter.”
Nominations close at midnight on Friday, 3 October 2025 (AEST).
IMAGE | 2024 Employability Excellence Awards – Industry Winners
