EEDA - East of England Development Agency

East of England businesses find out more about the benefits of graduate internships

26 June 2009

New talent pool will help graduates of 2009 prepare for the future

East of England businesses today found out more about supporting the new internship programme for the graduates of 2009.
 
Internships are a proven way for companies to inject fresh talent into the workplace and allow graduates to kick-start their careers by gaining the skills and experience they need to succeed.

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) showcased existing support available for companies offering graduate opportunities in the region at an event in St Albans.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills briefed organisations on the recently-launched Graduate Talent Pool, a new initiative to help employers create and offer graduate internships.

David Lammy, Minister for Higher Education said

“The talent pool will help match motivated graduates with employers giving them vital experience and improving their employability to succeed in the job market.

“I urge those employers who want to benefit from the skills graduates can bring to register their interest and sign-up to the Talent Pool online.

“The Talent Pool will sit alongside the thousands of other opportunities available to new graduates that will help them improve their chances to get a long-term and well paid career.”

Alison Webster, EEDA’s director of skills, said:

“We are working together to help the graduates of 2009 get the work experience they need to get the jobs of the future.

“In the current economic climate, many graduates will find it hard to get that experience outside this internship programme.”

Alison said that the internships would boost the skills of graduates as well as providing businesses with additional, well-qualified support.

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community said:

‘In the current economic climate, graduates now more than ever need to be equipped with the right skills to succeed in the workplace. Graduate internships offer the opportunity for students to build and refine their skills. As UK plc prepares for the upturn, internships ensure we are producing graduates with the relevant skills to meet the needs of business and the wider community. Responsible businesses, both large and small, are being urged by Business in the Community to take up this unique offer’