7000 Graduates to get job market head start

Around 7000 graduates’ career prospects have been given a boost, now that over fifty universities have taken up the Government’s £13.6 million fund to provide internships in small businesses by the end of the year as part of the Backing Young Britain campaign to help young people into work.

The graduate internship programme, which is being promoted by the Federation of Small Businesses, will support small businesses to take on – and get the best from – a graduate intern. Graduates will receive practical assistance before, during and after their internship, including mentoring, pre-employment and interview training, and CV workshops.

The Prime Minister welcomed the partnership between the Federation of Small Businesses, the Government and universities across the country.

The Prime Minister said:

“We are committed to supporting young people as they develop in their careers, which is why we have invested over £13 million in new internships, and in the training and mentoring of people taking them up.

“Almost seven thousand places are now being offered by universities across the country, and I am pleased to see so many universities working with the FSB and the Government to give seven thousand graduates this great opportunity and first taste of working life.

“By Backing Young Britain and working with small businesses through these difficult times, we can help ensure that we secure sustainable economic growth for the future.”

In England, more than 50 universities will support graduates and small businesses, as they provide a total of 6,998 internships by the end of this year, rising to 8,500 after that.

Through the internship programme:

• Small businesses will:
  • Get financial support to take a graduate intern (around £1300 in wage subsidies on average)
  • Have access to a national, single point of contact for advice in getting a graduate intern
  • Get access to new skills and fresh talent to help build your business.

• Graduates will:
  • Benefit from more than just the internship. They’ll get other structured support before, during and after their placement – including mentoring, pre-employment and interview training, and CV workshops.
  • Get the opportunity to see make a real difference in a small business – a great experience for budding entrepreneurs.