A degree of careers help for graduates.

A MAJOR event is being launched to help combat the decline in graduate recruitment in the North-east.

Every year over 300,000 students graduate from higher education institutions in the UK. For many this will be their first experience of recession, and with increasing levels of unemployment, it is not going to be an easy start.

According to a recent survey by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR), graduate unemployment is set to rise this year by 16%. Currently there is a 5.4% decrease in graduate vacancies and the AGR survey predicts that only half of employers will recruit the same numbers of graduates in 2009.

Taking place at the International Centre for Life, Newcastle, on June 5, Entrust's Graduates for Business Service is launching Get Hired 09 to help equip graduates with the vital knowledge and tools for their first step on the career ladder.

In a departure from traditional milk-round recruitment, Get Hired 09 aims to show those graduating the opportunities which exist in the region's small and medium sized businesses.

Entrust's graduate coordinator, Lisa Blackie, is dedicated to helping graduates realise their potential.

"Recession is a word that recent graduates are hearing all too often, and for many the prospect of starting their careers now is a daunting one.

"Get Hired 09 is there to help graduates, not only look at the preparation needed for finding that first job, but also giving them the opportunity to talk to employers and gain vital insight into how they recruit." Running alongside an exhibition of some of the region's leading small and medium sized businesses is a schedule of drop-in sessions, including CV advice and interview techniques, aimed at ensuring graduates are ready for recruitment.

Entrust's Graduates for Business, and Get Hired 09 is funded by Regional Development Agency One North East and the European Regional Development Fund..