Computing students showcase work

Computing students at Teesside University showcased their work to potential future employees during CreaTees.

The aim of CreaTees is to provide businesses with an opportunity to meet second year students completing courses in web design and digital media in the University’s School of Computing. As well as showcasing the students’ work, CreaTees provides an opportunity for the businesses to spot talent for possible placements or work experience. Simon Stobart, Dean of the University’s School of Computing, said: 'We produce graduates with leading edge knowledge and skills able to successfully compete for top positions on a global stage. Many of our graduates gain employment in globally respected companies while others prefer a more entrepreneurial route and go on to build their own successful businesses.' He added: 'All areas of computing, including those of web and digital media, are proving to be more competitive than ever for new graduates seeking to enter this fast moving discipline. It is therefore essential that students ensure that they position themselves with the best possible advantage through the knowledge and skills they acquire from their programme of study. In addition to this, events such as CreaTees provide an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their employability skills and meet potential employers.' Myriam Mallet, Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in New Media and Web, said: 'We’re able to forge good relationships with companies through events such as this. This is the first time we have held CreaTees at the University and due to its success we are looking at making it an annual event. 'Some of the students participating in CreaTees have already been asked to take part in online projects with visiting companies.' Among the range of companies attending the first CreaTees were Ubisoft Reflections, Nicander, 360 Fusion and Amplience.

Nick Drew, director of Nicander, said: 'We have taken industrial placement students from Teesside University for the last three years and have found them all to be eager, willing to learn and contribute to our projects, so much so that we offered two students a place with us this year. Both are meeting and exceeding the standards we have come to expect from our placement students.' Ben Kenyon, of 360 Fusion, said: 'It’s great for the students to be able to establish industry contact through events such as CreaTees, while also beneficial for businesses to be able to see that graduates are entering the industry with the necessary skills and knowledge. It’s all part of nurturing local talent and helping to strive to retain talented graduates in the region.' Any companies wanting to find out more about CreaTees should contact Myriam Mallet, Senior Lecturer in New Media and Web, on 01642 384610 or email Myriam Mallet.

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