Demand is high for a new scheme to provide short work placements for Essex students and recent graduates.

Launched at the end of September, the scheme now has 120 students and current graduates on a waiting list ready to be matched with companies in Essex, Suffolk and beyond. Six placements with local companies are about to get underway.

Funding from the Government’s Economic Challenge Investment Fund (ECIF) has enabled the University’s Research and Enterprise Office to pilot the project with the Careers Centre until September 2010.

Aimed at boosting graduate employability, the scheme provides placements lasting between two and four weeks, with travel expenses paid and, where possible, a wage from the employer.

The high demand for placements has prompted the launch of a Facebook group, University of Essex - Short Term Work Placement Scheme . This gives students access to placement of the week and work-readiness tips, including training opportunities from across the University.

Kate Anstee, the ECIF Placements Officer said: ‘We have been inundated with requests for placements. I’m acting as the intermediary for students and employers and I’m confident both parties will benefit.’

Companies ready to take on Essex students and graduates include Live Event Branding, Abbey/Santander, the Network Resource Group, Abbeycroft Leisure, Planet Ace Ltd, Essex Fire and Rescue, Holiday Inn and local voluntary sector organisations.

To sign up or offer a placement go to: www.essex.ac.uk/reo/ecif . For further information, e-mail: placements@essex.ac.uk