A HELPING HAND FOR UP TO 1,000 GRADUATES IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

26 June 2009

Universities, business groups, Jobcentre Plus and Advantage West Midlands have drawn up the programme – the first of its kind in the country – to help students from the West Midlands start their careers and businesses to benefit from graduate-level skills despite the recession. 

The MP says everyone is willing to pull together to ensure we do not lose the talents of today’s graduates in our local economy:

“The region’s businesses will be encouraged to identify work placements and job opportunities for graduates.  Smaller businesses in particular can benefit from graduate input to make them stronger in the downturn and better placed to meet the upturn when it comes.”

The plan includes in-work training places, Universities offering post-graduate courses at reduced costs so that students can continue their studies and increase their skills so they can get better jobs after the recession and Internships and work placements lasting for up to six months in which students will be able to continue claiming benefits and get extra help to cover transport and other costs.

Professor Christine King, Vice Chancellor of Staffordshire University says:

“Graduates are one of the Region's best assets.  Matching their skills and talents to the needs of business through the Internship Programme will give individuals and employers throughout the West Midlands real added advantage.”
Employers and graduates interested in taking part in the West Midlands Graduate Internship Programme should contact Advantage West Midlands http://www.advantagewm.co.uk/   Graduates will be able to access internships via university careers offices, Jobcentre Plus or Graduate Advantage. 
ENDS

For further information CONTACT David Kidney on his mobile 07966 378844 or David’s offices on 020 7219 6472 or 01785 224444.