Developing a future-ready global workforce: A case study from a leading UK university

Amid macro-level developments including globalisation and recent technological advancements and demographic shifts, the need to prepare future-ready and globally-aware graduates has gained fresh momentum within the Higher Education (HE) sector. This need is further emphasised by high graduate unemployment levels suggesting that more needs to be done to ensure graduates have the right kind of skills and attributes to succeed in a globally-competitive employment market. HE institutions have responded by firmly embedding internationalisation in their core institutional mission and vision. However, there remains scope for integrating internationalisation with employability initiatives. Against this backdrop, the paper provides insights into the development and first year of implementation of the Global Talent Programme (GTP) at Bournemouth University from the perspective of students. A case study approach is adopted to explore the impact of the GTP on the student experience and learning outcomes. Findings suggest that the GTP enables students to develop a range of skills, competencies and attributes of relevance to the future global workforce and workplace, whilst also providing opportunities to apply these skills. The paper discusses potential implications for other institutions wishing to develop their graduates as a future-ready global workforce.