IN AN effort to stem the brain drain from North Yorkshire. the University of York is calling for closer links with York employers.

Following a successful pilot scheme to encourage more graduates to stay in the county, the university has invited the city's employers to attend a free dinner at the National Railway Museum on Tuesday, November 21, to find out more about the York Award.

The York Award, established three years ago by the university and North Yorkshire Training and Enterprise Council, aims to ensure that graduates leave university with the skills needed to make an immediate and effective impact at work.

A mentoring scheme operated by local employers is designed to encourage successful young academics to look for local work experience stay on in the area.

Peter McKenzie-Midlane is one of the North Yorkshire business people encouraging employers to attend the dinner, which begins at 5.30pm. He is managing director of McKenzie-Midlane Ltd, a Whitby firm involved in underwater technology which is a York Award mentor.

He said: "The mentoring experience has been invaluable for me. I have run several companies and as managers we are used to providing solutions to problems - this is not a good skill when training others. Through the mentoring process I've learned to listen to the students and help their own problem-solving and let them go through the creative processes for themselves. This is an invaluable skill that actually increases your own awareness and makes you a better manager."

Dr Robert Partridge of the University of York said: "More than 50 employers of all sizes and from all sectors are involved with the York Award already - and we want to double this number over the next two years."

For a free ticket to the dinner, phone Mina Giles at North Yorkshire TEC on 01904 691939. Or for more information about the York Award contact Robert Partridge on 01904 432497.