On the 13th March the University of Hertfordshire launched Graduate Futures, a unique network offering employment and career development support to its graduates throughout their lifetime with the help of three well-known past students.

Actress, comedian, Writer and Presenter, Helen Lederer graduated from the University with a degree in Psychology and is well known for her notable performances including the Naked Video and Catriona in Absolutely Fabulous. Following a tour of the new facilities, she said: "This is an amazing situation, the University of Hertfordshire is really at the forefront of helping to place students in employment, it is very impressive."

The initiative was officially launched Sir Michael Rake, Chairman of the BT Group and Chairman of UK Commission for Employment and Skills and is aimed at students, employers, staff and alumni and focuses on both employment and career development for now and in the future.

Diane Maclean, famous Sculptor and Environmental Artist and Frank Ogilvie, Airbus A380 Aerodynamics Director and Deputy Head of Overall Aircraft Design also attended the launch and along with Helen made their mark by modelling their handprints in a clay mould to display in their ‘newly named' rooms - part of the graduate futures network.

Frank Ogilvie said: "I started the University in 1962 and since then I have seen it grow and blossom into what it is today. It has really taken on an additional role that ensures that students are equipped for life in the future."

Some of the innovative solutions that Graduate Futures will bring include having resources available in digital format in a virtual careers centre, an enhancement of the managed learning environment, StudyNet to enable students to customise content and the introduction of a range of tools to aide and support career decision-making.