- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Faculties
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
15 Feb 2010 09:19:14
The University of Bedfordshire has been given £120,000 to boost the career prospects of this summer’s graduates.
It is one of more than 50 universities to have taken up the Government’s £13.6 million fund to provide internships in small businesses by the end of the year. This is part of the Backing Young Britain campaign to help young people into work.
The University has received funding for 75 places on the graduate internship programme which is being promoted by the Federation of Small Businesses. The programme will support small businesses to take on, and get the best from, a graduate intern.
Professor Andrew Slade, the University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise, said: “We’re delighted to receive this funding as we’re committed to helping our graduates, especially in these difficult times for everyone.
“The University places a great emphasis on the employability of graduates and this is another example.”
Graduates will receive practical assistance before, during and after their internship, including mentoring, pre-employment and interview training, and CV workshops.
Small businesses will be getting financial support to take a graduate intern (around £1,300 in wage subsidies on average) with the majority of internships lasting eight to 13 weeks.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown welcomed the partnership between the Federation of Small Businesses, the Government and universities across the country. Almost 7,000 places are now being offered by universities across the country.
He 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.
“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.”
Interns under this scheme will be placed with small businesses in the Government’s priority areas. They are low-carbon products and services, digital industry, life sciences and pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, professional and financial services, engineering construction, and industrial opportunities presented by the ageing society.
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has been working closely with Higher Education Regional Associations, Regional Development Agencies and the Federation of Small Businesses to implement the scheme. The University will be working closely with these organisations, as well as other employer representatives, to promote graduate internships to business.
For more information and to register for the scheme, email
knowledge@beds.ac.uk or visit www.beds.ac.uk/knowledgehub/entrepreneurship/graduates/internship
Latest news» 2010» February» Graduate internships given the go-ahead
