Hundreds manning clearing hotline at city university

Around 250 staff are answering calls at the University of Wolverhampton to help thousands of prospective students decide their future after A-levels.

Academics, student ambassadors and professional services staff at the Springfield Campus will answer calls and online inquiries from young people considering their next steps through clearing.

The process allows universities and colleges to fill any places that they still have on their courses and give students the opportunity to change their course or place of study.

Andrew Bird, pro-vice chancellor for student recruitment, marketing and admissions said "Clearing used to be viewed as a second chance - that is no longer the case."

More than 80% of the university's 32,200 students worldwide come from within 25 miles of Wolverhampton.

Every course involves work placements to ensure graduates are gaining hands-on experience of their chosen careers.

"Employers increasingly want graduates who demonstrate real-world experience and practical skills. That's why we've built work placements into every undergraduate course," Bird added.

He said the most important thing is to be prepared, act quickly and speak to universities about the opportunities available.

Behind the scenes, the team will be checking applicants' qualifications, discussing course options and liaising with academic schools.

Clearing runs until 19 October, with prospective students able to ring from 07:00 BST on Thursday.

For those who do not meet the entry requirements, staff will also discuss alternative routes into higher education.

A spokeswoman said going to university is still one of the best investments people can make in themselves, giving them specialist knowledge, real-world experience and professional connections.

"For many students, it's also a transformative experience that opens opportunities they may never have thought possible," she added.

Out of the people educated in Wolverhampton, 70.5% of graduates remain in the West Midlands, predominantly in the Black Country.

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