06 February 2009
A States scheme that gives Jersey students the chance to experience working life in the Island’s business world is looking for more support from companies.
The Undergraduate Internship Programme gives undergraduates an opportunity to gain meaningful paid work experience and benefit from the challenge of working in a professional business environment. In return, employers meet high-calibre potential employees of the future.
In previous years the programme has been so popular with undergraduates that it has been over subscribed, with more students than businesses wanting to get involved. For 2009, the fourth year that the scheme has been run, Jersey Enterprise is appealing to businesses now, in the hope that young people seeking a work placement for the summer of 2009 can be placed.
The Minister for Economic Development, Senator Alan Maclean, said: “In the current economic climate this is a particularly valuable scheme for both employers and students. Recruitment may not be top of employers’ agendas currently, however the Undergraduate Internship Programme does give businesses the chance to assess the capabilities of talented youngsters, while giving students valuable experience during economically uncertain times.
“In previous years we have had more students than businesses. It would therefore be fantastic if we could offer every undergraduate who wants this valuable experience a placement in 2009. Jersey has a diverse and dynamic range of businesses and we want undergraduates to appreciate and experience this first hand so that they are encouraged to bring their skills back to the Island when they graduate.”
Since its launch in 2006 more than 180 Jersey students have taken part in the programme, and experienced life at a diverse range of businesses.
Ian Miller, managing director of software development firm Corefocus Consultancy, has involved his business in the scheme for the last two years.
He said: “We have employed two outstanding individuals who will be of real benefit to this business in the future. We would recommend that other employers become involved; they will help start the careers of bright enthusiastic individuals and discover the real benefits that they give back.
“We believe that the Undergraduate Internship Programme is one of the most important initiatives being run by Jersey Enterprise. The States of Jersey has invested heavily in education, with many school leavers going off-Island for further education. The scheme has a crucial role to play in matching potential returning graduates to employers and jobs, with a direct and very positive effect on our local economy.”
Sophie Marett, 19, a student now in her second year at Cardiff University, had a six week internship with the Jersey Careers Service during the summer of 2008.
She said: “I really enjoyed the experience. I was given the task of organising the Jersey Careers Fair which meant I had a great deal of responsibility. I had to liaise with a wide range of people which improved my organisational and communication skills. I had specific project to focus on so I felt I had really accomplished something at the end of the internship and the whole experience really built up my confidence.”
Businesses and students who would like to register for the scheme can contact Andrew Jones on +44 (0)1534 448132.
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