by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A pioneering university scheme that boosts job prospects for students is in line for a national accolade.

The University of Kent's Employability Points Scheme (EPS) has been shortlisted in the Times Higher Education Awards in the Outstanding Support for Students category. The awards celebrate the excellence and achievements of the UK's higher education institutions.

EPS was launched in September 2010 to make students more employable by recognising their extra-curricular personal and work-skills development.

Activities include student mentoring, volunteering, part-time employment, international study and language study.

It started with 1,000 students and 30 sponsor companies, but numbers jumped with the scheme's success and mounting student concern over graduate job prospects. Between July 2011 and June 2012, almost 2,000 students took part - with 86 supporting organisations and companies.

Points are awarded for each activity and students with the highest points are given prizes such as training programmes, paid internships and vouchers contributed by some 86 organisations and companies. Supporters include the KM Group, Chaucer Group, Kent County Council, Canterbury Cathedral Trust, Penguin Books, National Trust, Tesco and Coca-Cola.

University vice-chancellor Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow, pictured above, said: "We are all very pleased that the Employability Points Scheme has been acknowledged in this way. In a short period of time it has become extremely popular with students and sponsors alike, all of whom recognise and are excited by the many opportunities and benefits it provides."

At a presentation ceremony in June, Jon Sale, head of HR at Tesco, said: "Academic achievement is not enough any more. Most employers will go for the experience."

Morag Welham, KM Group's head of special interest and media, said: "Employers put more emphasis on work experience."

Deborah Feakins, of Chaucer Management Consultants, said: "This is an excellent example of a global business working together with a leading university to provide high-achieving students with real work-based opportunities."

The scheme, organised by Stephanie Barwick, has attracted the attention of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and won support from other educational establishments. Award winners will be announced in November.