The annual Inspiring Student Worker Awards recognise University of Sheffield students who have excelled in the workplace through a part-time job, short-term internship, vacation work, or a summer placement. Students will be awarded for going above and beyond the role on a regular basis, exceeding expectations on a given project, and/or making a significant contribution that has had a positive impact on the organisation.
The awards also recognise outstanding employers who have offered transformative employment opportunities to UoS students, who have provided an exceptional commitment to training/development, support diversity initiatives, been flexible around the student’s studies, and/or understand the importance of skills development for the student’s future career.
Award categories
Students can be nominated by their employers in the following categories:
Significant Contribution Award
Recognises students who demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Going beyond reasonable expectations such as taking on additional tasks, projects, or challenges - exceeding stakeholder expectations
- Has been enterprising in contributing to business development or growth
- Has shared knowledge or learning from their studies which has contributed to the development of, or knowledge within, an organisation (knowledge exchange)
- Has had a significant positive impact on the organisation in relation to equality, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) or sustainability, in alignment with the University's vision and values
Leadership Award
Recognises students who demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Has successfully moved beyond their role remit to take on a leadership position
- Has provided training or development to colleagues or other stakeholders
- Has led a team through a difficult situation and/or to achieve something significant
- Has demonstrated leadership qualities and future potential
Innovation and Problem-Solving Award
Recognises students who demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Proposes or introduces a significant improvement to working processes, services, products, or culture
- Identifies a problem and provided a solution that positively impacts the organisation
- Demonstrates enterprising or entrepreneurial skills
- An ability to deal with problems quickly and efficiently whilst remaining in control
- An ability to deal with a complex issue that involves problem-solving over a period of time
- Solves a problem in a way that has exceeded employer or client expectations
Team Award
Recognises a group of students (2-10 students) who demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Working successfully as a unit undertaking different tasks to achieve a common goal
- Working as a team undertaking the same roles to complete a task or job well
- Successful job sharing and exceeding expectations
- A collective achievement, going above and beyond the job role
.
Employers can be nominated by student workers for the Employer Recognition Award, which recognises employers who demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Offers a clear commitment to training and development of students
- A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) in recruitment and working practices, ensuring that work experiences are accessible and inclusive
- Ongoing support and accommodation of the students' commitment to their academic studies and personal skills development
- Providing a working environment that has enabled the student to thrive and contribute in the workplace, and have a transformative experience
Nominations and timeline
All nominations from students and employers can be submitted via the nomination form by Sunday 23rd March 2025, which also outlines the eligibility criteria for all award categories. Students can find out more by visiting the student awards webpage.
Once the closing date has passed, an independent judging panel will review the nominations in each category and choose the winners and, where appropriate, runners-up.
All the nominees and nominators will be invited to an award ceremony taking place on campus on 12th May 2025 where we will announce the winners of each category. This will be an opportunity for you to meet fellow student workers and employers, network, and celebrate being nominated. Further details such as the venue and time will be communicated following the nomination deadline.
If you have any questions about the awards please contact the Careers & Employability Service at 0114 222 0900 or via email at careers@sheffield.ac.uk (for students) or studentjobshop@sheffield.ac.uk (for employers).