Graduate employers encouraged to offer internships

A host of major graduate employers have been urged to participate in a new government scheme.

John Denham, secretary of state for universities, said that businesses can gain access to a number of 'intelligent and ambitious individuals' through a new government scheme aimed to match employers with those looking for placements.

The Graduate Talent Pool offers internships to graduates in both private and public sector companies with an aim of placing 5,000 students into positions.

Despite government support for the scheme they will not provide any direct funding. Companies will be free to determine their own wage structure for interns, many of which will work on a voluntary basis.

However, participants in the scheme will still be eligible to claim job seekers allowance for the duration of their placement.

The universities secretary said that the scheme will benefit graduates "giving them transferable work experience and allowing them to try their hand at a potential career path and prove themselves to prospective employers”.

Mr Denham added: "More than 40 employers, including Microsoft, Network Rail and Marks and Spencer, have registered their interest in the Graduate Talent Pool."

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