Two universities have claimed their share of a £27 million Government grant.

The University of Sussex and the University of Chichester have both benefited from the fund.

It was announced by the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Sussex will spend its £280,000, which has been match-funded by other sources, on a range of improvements.

They include an internship scheme, three skills fairs, training workshops for 100 graduates and two enterprise networking events.

The University of Chichester got £332,000 and £250,000 match funding, which it will spend on support for 300 graduates across 200 businesses, through personal coaching and mentoring, a two day motivational course, online networks, placement schemes, seminars, business support service and 12 knowledge transfer partnerships.

Dr Robin Baker, vice chancellor at the University of Chichester, said: “We are delighted that our collaborative bid with Chichester College was successful.

“In submitting it, we had strong support from West Sussex County Council, the districts and the business community.

“The funding will enable the university and college to further strengthen the skills and employability of graduates in West Sussex and improve graduate retention in the county.

“This will contribute to sustainable higher-value economic recovery. The project will assist business to secure the skills it needs to succeed at a very challenging time.”