One hundred university graduates have a new opportunity to get onto the career ladder, thanks to a new award aimed at tackling graduate unemployment.

The University of Essex has been awarded £160,000 to fund a new graduate internship programme in Essex and Suffolk. Already, the University’s Careers Centre has set up a project team to match graduates to jobs in local small businesses and help them gain vital work experience, for up to a 12-week period.

Businesses being targeted are those in future growth sectors such as low carbon, biosciences, and ICT, but graduates from all disciplines may now apply.

Susan Rhodes, project leader at the University, said: ‘This new scheme offers immediate, real opportunities for young graduates to gain valuable experience – backed by financial support. Local business will benefit from the talent and enthusiasm that a new graduate can offer – plus they’ll get direct financial help when they take on graduate interns.’ 

Anyone who graduated in 2008 or 2009 and is looking for an opportunity to bring a fresh focus to a business, learn new skills and boost your CV should call Karen Gooch, graduate internships project officer at the University of Essex, tel: 01206 872495 or email: graduateinternships@essex.ac.uk

Ends

Notes to editors

This award is part of a nationwide programme announced by the Government to tackle graduate unemployment and has a target of 8,500 internships across the country. The Careers Centre at the University of Essex is running the programme, which includes training for graduates, ongoing mentoring support and practical help with applications and interview skills.