Nottingham Trent University will be the first university in the country to pilot a scheme to provide free student membership to the key international business organisation, the Institute of Directors (IoD).

Some 120 Nottingham Business School and School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment students will be the first to benefit from the scheme which will give them unrivalled support in progressing their careers or developing business ideas.

It is the latest link between business and education for Nottingham Trent University and the IoD, which this month celebrates the first year of its East Midlands regional office residency in the university's Newton building.

Ron Lynch, IoD East Midlands Regional Director, commented: "We have been working towards much closer links between business and education which is so vital to the employment market and the economy. This pilot scheme represents a huge step forward in supporting the business leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow."

The scheme will be launched at a lunchtime event involving representatives from the IOD and the university on Tuesday, 31 January. Students will also receive their membership cards and welcome packs at the event, in the university's Old Library.

David Eade, the Head of Student Employability and Enterprise at Nottingham Trent University, said: "At Nottingham Trent University we know it is essential that university graduates understand the world of work and this is a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage with business leaders, access some tremendous resources and further enhance their knowledge and skills.

"The graduate recruitment market is challenging and this presents an excellent way for these students to gain invaluable experience to differentiate their CVs from those of other applicants." 

Four UK universities will pilot the IoD Student Membership scheme but Nottingham Trent University is the first to launch.

The IoD has some 2,000 members in the East Midlands. Each month it offers a range of support to company directors including workshops, networking events and free business meeting facilities. An active Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Young Directors' Forum (YDF) provides social and networking events and a learning environment for future business leaders. Its chair is Lucy Herreras-Griffiths who co-founded kuku apps.

Ron Lynch added:"This scheme provides a real opportunity for undergraduates to get involved in director level activities and networks as part of their step towards a career or their own business. It is intended to improve knowledge and understanding of the business and professional environment and will provide opportunities to network with successful business leaders and to learn from them."