business-startup.ie

IBEC has secured government support for its recently launched GradLink programme. The GradLink programme is a webportal that connects businesses and graduates through either paid or unpaid internships. The Department of Social and Family Affairs has agreed that participants on the nine-month programme will remain eligible for social welfare benefits.

The GradLink programme has been gaining momentum in recent weeks having been covered by RTÉ news and the Irish Times. IBEC is encouraging all members to strongly consider participating in this programme as it offers real benefits to both business and graduates.

For graduates, internships offer the chance to gain first-hand workplace experience, apply the skills gained while in college, make valuable contacts in the labour market and decide if they want to pursue certain career avenues. For companies, internships give the benefit of a highly skilled and motivated graduate for nine months.

At present, approximately 74,000 people under the age of 25 are unemployed; of this group over 11,000 have third-level qualifications. Approximately 60,000 graduates completed their studies during 2009, and while some of these graduates will return to education, a significant cohort will be seeking employment.

Further information for graduates and companies is available from www.ibec.ie/gradlink or by contacting Alan O’Kelly at alan.o’ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comments

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment