In response to the letter about graduate retention by universities (21 February, page 34), I feel that Mr Link was a little too quick to point the finger at universities for failing to keep students on their courses.
I also graduated six months ago and there was a similar number of graduates from my course. What I do feel is that while there is more the universities can do, Mr Link has exemplified the attitude that is one of the primary causes of the lack of recruitment: one of passing the buck.

The industry seems intent on blaming the universities and vice versa, and we as graduates get caught in the middle. Combine this with the industry's antiquated ideas of graduate recruitment and is it any surprise that there is a lack of recruits?

There will be no quick fix to attract new graduates, although the industry could learn a lot from recent government initiatives to boost numbers of teachers. Everyone is responsible for recruitment into our industry, not just one party.

Postscript

Richard Hamlin, graduate construction manager, Kent, via email.