29/04/2026
The Centre for Employability Excellence (CfEE) is pleased to announce the recruitment of two Research Assistants, Cheryl Coby Gaskill and Larona Thipe, as part of a new partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University. This development marks a significant step in expanding CfEE’s capacity and strengthening collaboration between the IEP and academia. CfEE is offering these structured placements to provide meaningful exposure to real-world research and professional practice.
Cheryl and Larona will support a breadth of activity designed to enhance organisational capability and knowledge exchange across the global sector and play an integral role in progressing key areas of CfEE’s research and development work, including:
- Compiling and curating research and insights that inform workforce development and employability practice
- Contributing to collaborative projects and data analysis
- Researching potential partnerships across UK and international networks
- Strengthening links between academic perspectives and practical application within the sector
Larona said joining the IEP has been a great opportunity to work at the intersection of research and real-world impact.
“I’ve particularly enjoyed working on the research repository in Zotero, thinking about how to make the database easier to navigate and genuinely useful for all,” she said. “Alongside this, I’ve supported research across a range of focus areas, which has been a great way to apply a data-driven approach to diverse employability challenges. Overall, I am enjoying the diversity of my work and being part of such a welcoming, supportive team.”
The partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University reflects CfEE’s ongoing commitment to expanding its research library, deepening sector collaboration, and supporting the development of future talent with a genuine interest in employability, social impact, and applied research.
By welcoming Cheryl and Larona into these new roles, CfEE is not only increasing its operational capacity but also reinforcing its position as a hub for high quality‑ research, innovation, and excellence within the employability landscape.