A record number of employers on the lookout for new talent have helped students at Bradford’s award-winning business school.

Over the last term, more than 70 Yorkshire firms – double the number of previous years – have worked with nearly 300 students at the University of Bradford School of Management, conducting mock interviews and assessing team-building activities in a simulated assessment centre.

The second year students are studying business subjects including marketing, accounting and human resource management.

Companies that took part in the assessment sessions were either seeking new recruits, wanted to give junior managers recruitment experience, or wanted to ‘give back’ to their community.

Employer participants included managers and directors from BT, Waitrose, Hallmark Cards, Morrisons, Baker Tilly, Armstrong Watson, the Department of Health and Bradford Council as well as smaller employers and organisations from the voluntary sector.

Jon Reast, dean at the School of Management, said: “We are extremely grateful to employers for giving their time and expertise so generously. It demonstrates their commitment to young people and recognition of the importance of building confidence and job interview skills in students.

“So many selection processes involve assessment centre activities and this is now a key part of our employability activities to prepare our students well.”

Business and management undergraduate Robert Gamble said: “I had never participated in an interview before.

“It was the most useful 30 minutes I have ever spent with anyone and I went from being very nervous to the most confident student on campus. The mock assessment centre was also a new experience for me and the assessor gave useful feedback and was very encouraging.”

Faisal Khan, employment and skills advisor for social housing provider Incommunities, said students needed to be flexible to employer requirements and aware of economic and labour market trends.

He praised the attitude and dedication of the students, who he said had “high levels of enthusiasm and motivation”.

Matthew Khan, business analyst for Hallmark Cards, said candidates needed preparation, differentiation and confidence to excel in an interview.

“Candidates need to think differently to stand out and be remembered by the interview panel,” he said.

“Showing confidence in an interview helps to create a positive perception of the candidate.”

Among the employer assesors was Neil Adams, managing director of Powerhouse Photography.

The business operates from an 18,000 sq ft studio in Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, producing commercial photography and video for brands, retailers and agencies. Mr Adams, managing director at Powerhouse, said: “As a small business recruiting graduates, it is essential that our selection process allows us to spot potential and see candidate’s skills and motivation shine.

“I observed teamwork, problem solving and effective communication from the students.”

Employers interested in taking part should contact Elaine Dean, business co-ordinator at the School of Management, at usingourtalent@bradford.ac.uk.