The University of Warwick’s on-campus recruitment agency Unitemps is celebrating the success of its first ‘Unitemp of the Year’ event, a competition to reward the efforts of students working while they study.  

Two Warwick students scooped the 1^st & 2^nd prizes, which were generously donated by Steve Dawson from www.ei42.info a local IT business and regular user of the Unitemps service.  

First prize went to William Jimenez, who has just completed his PhD in Experiental Psychology at Warwick. William worked two days a week as a strategic analyst throughout his course at the Learning and Skills Council. He was based with the Framework for Excellence team and worked on a national product called the Learner Achievement Tracker. 

William said: “I am so delighted to have won this. My work at LSC has involved mathematical modelling which has been good experience to help with my PhD. It has helped with the methodological aspects of my research. Education and psychology are my main interests so it is great to get an insight into the education system.” 

LSC Effectiveness Project Manager Ellie Fraizer said: “William has made a substantial and significant contribution to the work of the LSC. He deserved to be recognised, he always brings solutions rather than problems to a project. He has learnt very complex software packages quickly and found solutions through these packages.” 

Bold Tsogt, who is currently studying Mathematics and Economics, took second place for his work with Warwick Food & Drink, the University’s catering service. 

Stephen Gant from Warwick Food & Drink said : “Bold constantly works to a high standard. He thinks for himself, works on his own initiative and is happy to take on extra responsibilities, he can be trusted to work on his own as well as organising his small team when working on formal banquet dinners.” 

Third place went to University of Birmingham graduate Polly D’Abo, who works for the Personal Assistant Scheme at Birmingham City University. As part of her role she gives academic support and mentors students with disabilities. 

Polly said: “This work experience has really helped me to focus on where I would like my career to go. I have been really inspired by what people can achieve and there are more and more disabled people moving into education.  I was so surprised to find out I had been nominated, never mind actually winning a prize. I was incredibly flattered and quite moved by it all really.” 

Unitemps Director Sue Thorn said: “From our offices on campus at Warwick and also in central Birmingham the Unitemps service provides students with an essential source of income while studying and also helps to build employability. Due to the success of the event this year and the vast amount of nominations from businesses across the West Midlands, Unitemp of the Year will now become an annual event in our calendar”. The competition was organised to support “National Student Employment Week”.

Pictured is William Jimenez who picked up first prize, he is standing with Steve Dawson from Ei42 Ltd and Unitemps Director Sue Thorn.