04 August 2009
Local firms covering all sectors of the economy are benefiting from this year’s Undergraduate Internship Scheme, gaining access to talented students who provide a temporary injection of fresh ideas, talent and enthusiasm.
Major corporate businesses, charities, small enterprises and States of Jersey Departments are all participating in the scheme. Over a third more internship placements have been secured compared to last year, with over sixty students working in a wide range of roles. These include undertaking projects in marketing and IT, finance posts, architectural assistants, research positions and many more.
Organisations taking part in the scheme can claim £125 per week in grant support from the Economic Development Department for each undergraduate student placed. The maximum grant of £1,000 is available for placements of eight weeks or longer.
Tim Crowley at La Mare Wine Estate has employed two undergraduates this year. He said "As a local business, I am delighted that La Mare Wine Estate is able to support our Island 's undergraduates to gain valuable knowledge and experience in a true business environment. Their talents and attitude to studying should be encouraged.
''Personally, I found the Undergraduate Internship Scheme of great assistance, in terms of both grant assistance and more importantly in finding candidates to suit our businesses particular needs. I have always been impressed by the level of commitment and hard work the students give during their time with us and our business definitely benefits from their contribution"
The scheme offers a great opportunity for local undergraduate students to gain invaluable experience, build up their skills and benefit from paid work placements during their summer break from University. They are also introduced to the range of professional opportunities on Jersey that they may be able to access in the future. Since the Scheme was launched in 2006, over 250 students have now taken part in the programme.
Sarah Sheridan, a second year student at the University of East London , is currently working in the Marketing Department at La Mare Wine Estate. She said: “Working here has given me the vital office experience I so greatly needed and the opportunity to work within an extremely friendly and supportive atmosphere. It has given me a great insight into how a local company is run.”
There are still opportunities for employers to take part in the scheme and the Economic Development Department is retaining details of students that are available for work placements running until early October.
Senator Alan Maclean, Minister for Economic Development, said: “I am delighted that so many students have been given this opportunity and that the range of employers providing placements is more diverse than ever. The scheme provides students with valuable real world experience and an insight into career opportunities here in Jersey . For organisations taking part, the scheme provides access to an enthusiastic workforce and an early introduction to some of the best and brightest employees of the future.”
The registration process is fast and simple and once signed up to the Scheme, employers will be sent details of potential candidates that meet the skill set they require. Employers are then free to select them based on their usual recruiting procedures.
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