The University of Stirling’s Careers Service and Work-Based Learning & Employer Engagement teams were proud winners of the Sustainability in Talent and Education award, sponsored by the Sustainable Recruitment Alliance, at the targetjobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2025 in April. This award recognises their commitment to embedding sustainability into career development and employer engagement.
The Careers Service and Work-Based Learning & Employer Engagement Teams, as part of the wider Students Skills and Employability Team, are working to put sustainability at the heart of everything they do. They started off their journey with simple steps to be more sustainable. From minimising printing to switching promotional gifts from plastic pens to recycled paper playing cards, they considered how to still have an impact through what they do, with less impact on the environment. This included maximising the use of digital communications channels: Instagram, LinkedIn and launching their Careersphere podcast, showcasing career stories from a range of guests and sharing tips so Stirling students can make the most of opportunities which come their way.
They also recognised that these simple steps could be taken by the employer partners they work with. The teams published sustainability guidance for employers on the University of Stirling’s website, asking organisations to consider what they bring to campus and how they get there, always encouraging more planet-friendly options.
Paving the way for sustainable careers work in Scotland
The teams were thrilled for Stirling to be the first university in Scotland to sign the Sustainable Recruitment Alliance pledge. In another Scottish first, they published an Ethical Careers Policy in May 2024 in collaboration with the University’s Students’ Union and Earth and Environment Society. This prioritises their work with sustainable employers and green initiatives, supporting students in making responsible and informed career choices.
Making sustainability a focus in careers events
The Work-Based Learning & Employer Engagement Team collaborated with colleagues in Scotland’s International Environment Centre to deliver an innovative ‘Jobs of the Future’ event series, dedicated to helping Stirling students uncover career paths and business ideas in innovative and sustainable sectors. This included a speed networking session with employers identifying work-based dissertation opportunities, an industry panel and networking evening with employers across sectors, and concluded with a ‘Journey to Net Zero and Nature Positive Innovation Challenge’ which matched students and industry professionals on live, real-world challenges in areas including Renewable Energy, Carbon Reduction, Sustainable Travel and more. This series offered a diverse combination of opportunities for students to explore jobs of the future across sectors, all working towards a net zero and more nature-positive future.
Sustainability and the student career journey
Understanding the importance of combating climate change to the Stirling student community, the teams have set up initiatives in other areas, taking a holistic approach to integrating sustainability in the student career journey.
To encourage students to develop skills through sustainability-focused activities, the Careers Service introduced a ‘Green Leaf’ award within the existing My Stirling Award, which recognises the skills and attributes students develop in their extra-curricular activities and achievements.
At the start of 2025, the Work-Based Learning & Employer Engagement Team launched a Professional Clothing Bank in partnership with the Students’ Union. This provides students with access to high-quality, gently used professional attire, donated by staff, students, alumni and the community.
Sustainability at Stirling going forward
While the teams have been recognised for their efforts to date, they’re committed to build on this to further embed sustainability in their practices. Central to this will be continuing to prioritise ethical, sustainable recruitment and working with employer partners who share their values. The University of Stirling’s ‘Jobs of the Future’ events will be repeated annually, ensuring future cohorts can connect with sustainable career opportunities across sectors. The teams will continue to embrace sustainable options and educate themselves on the ever-changing impacts of individual and institutional activities.
This national recognition is a testament to the positive collaborations across the University of Stirling in fostering sustainable career pathways for their students.