Tessa Read appointed as Employability and Progression Practitioner – Careers and Employability

The Exchange is delighted to announce that Tessa Read has been appointed as Employability and Progression Practitioner in Careers and Employability. Tessa will work strategically within and outside the curriculum, to support the retention, inclusion, attainment and progression of UAL students from Widening Participation backgrounds including BAME and disabled students. She will specifically support students in their career goals and aspirations, acting as a bridging role between Careers and Employability and students, academic staff, support staff and the creative and cultural industries, through projects, programmes, initiatives, opportunities, research and other support activity.

We caught up with Tessa about the new position. She said:

“I see my role as collaborating with staff and students across UAL to help break down the barriers that exist for students from Widening Participation and BAME backgrounds regarding accessing the creative industries.”

Tessa  has worked in Widening Participation at the University of the Arts London since 2004. She is a graduate of both Manchester and Sussex Universities, and has over ten years’ experience of managing projects working with young people. She also recently completed an MA at University of Westminster in International Planning and Sustainable Development.

Tessa previously managed Arts Aimhigher London – a partnership of creative higher education institutions working collaboratively with schools, colleges and community groups. In 2008, Tessa was amongst the first recipients to be selected for the Arts Council England Cultural Leadership programme.

In 2012 Tessa took a year-long sabbatical working in India and South Africa where she worked closely with local social enterprises developing their business model.

Tessa has a strong interest in social entrepreneurship learning and continues to work with Design Against Crime Research Centre (CSM) supporting research in design-led social innovation and enterprise.