Graduate internship scheme is a success for the region

University of Hull graduates and the region’s businesses are benefitting from the internship programme which provides valuable work experience for the graduate and an opportunity to secure a permanent job.

The graduate placements are offered by a wide variety of organisations and cover a vast range of opportunities.

The region’s internship programme is a Yorkshire Forward and HEFCE funded project secured through the consortium of Yorkshire Universities. For the 2009 cohort of graduates, the University secured funding for ten internships and was able to fill them all.

Out of the ten placements, five graduates are still in employment with three gaining full time positions. In the light of the current economic downturn, the conversion rate exceeded expectations.

In order to minimise the cost of the placement to the business; Yorkshire Forward pays a salary subsidy two thirds of the graduate’s salary and the employer pays the remaining third.

Every placement is different, depending on the needs of the particular employer. But typically, graduates can expect to be given a specific project or work that is of a ‘graduate level’ piece of work or a list of duties and most placements last for a few months.

The University’s Graduate Employment Manager Kristian Rumble explains: “The scheme provides hands-on work experience and an opportunity for graduates to prove themselves to an employer. They are a good way to build confidence, make contacts and boost future employment prospects. This is chance for graduates to assess whether a particular role or industry is right for them and for the employer to get to know their graduate before deciding whether or not to offer them a full time position.”

Kristian Rumble says: “In the current climate, it is worth remembering that a large proportion of employers are looking for skills other than just having a degree. About 65% of graduate jobs are aimed at all degree disciplines and you usually find that employers, especially SMEs are looking for something

The Careers Service attempts to work with all students early on in their university life and the Career Management Skills module is popular amongst students. The free elective not only prepares students to make more informed career choices but also empowers them to make insightful decisions within the wider world. There is a great deal of emphasis on vocational degrees, but 60% of graduate jobs are aimed at all degree disciplines.”

He continues: “Employers are discovering that graduate internships are an effective way of attracting talent and adding to their business.”

The University of Hull has the highest rate of graduate employability in Yorkshire and is the eleventh highest achiever amongst all mainstream English universities, according to the latest report from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Companies are able to claim £150 per week subsidy for an 8 week internship or £100 per week for a 12 week internship.

The programme is open to graduates from previous years, MA and PhD graduates and those studying part-time for an MA or PhD.

Further information on the programme is available here