23 October 2006
The Economic Development Department’s Jersey Undergraduate Internship scheme launched by the Training & Employment Partnership (TEP) in May 2006 and promoted to all higher education students and employers who could provide meaningful employment has been hailed a great success by the Minister for Economic Development Senator Philip Ozouf, with 50 undergraduates finding placements.
Over 220 undergraduates registered on the scheme with over 80 businesses offering opportunities.
Minister for Economic Development Senator Philip Ozouf who originally promoted the scheme said: “the Jersey Undergraduate Internship scheme has offered local undergraduates the chance to acquire new skills and gain valuable work experience at a crucial time in the career development. It has given them exposure to the small business community and an insight into entrepreneurial activity.”
Employment opportunities have included project management, research, marketing and communication. The feedback from local employers has been very positive with many of them recognising that higher education students have added value to their businesses.”
Internship Project Manager Carla Vidamour from TEP says “I have been thoroughly impressed by the response we received regarding the scheme. What I have noticed is that those who have gained employment through the scheme have done so through their personal motivation, interest and enthusiasm. Supported with a detailed CV showing prior work experience and clearly demonstrating their level of skills. The scheme has definitely provided the undergraduates positive exposure to a variety of careers and enhanced their longer term employability. “
The Jersey Undergraduate Internship scheme has been designed to compliment the opportunities that exist in the financial services, legal and other large businesses, which already have well established internship schemes.
The Scheme will be continuing on an annual basis. There are over 1400 students studying at higher education establishments in the UK and by offering the Internship TEP aim to encourage local graduates back to the Island. The scheme will also be opened up to school leavers and graduates.
For further
info rmation, please contact:
Minister for Economic Development, Senator
Philip Ozouf on 07797 713838
Notes to editors : For advanced opportunities to speak directly with a selection of students please contact Chris Kelleher at TEP on 705542 who will make appropriate arrangements.
Small companies were refunded £125 per week for a maximum of eight weeks on the understanding that each student had a chance to develop work related skills and experience that complimented the longer term development of their career.
The objectives of the scheme are to encourage a greater percentage of students to return to the island sooner. This, in the longer term, would lessen the need to issue J category licences in order to satisfy the high demand for specialised skills that are not sufficiently available locally.
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