MINISTERS have announced a £200,000 fund to help university graduates in Scotland gain more work experience and training opportunities.
• The £200,000 fund will help pay for 110 graduate work placements throughout 2012 and 2013
• The funding will form part of the ‘adopt-an-intern’ scheme
• The scheme has already helped 193 graduates take up internships, with 66% gaining permanent employment as a result
The funding will go into the “adopt-an intern scheme” and help pay for 110 work placements for graduates during 2012-13.
Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance made the announcement as part of a visit to the Working on Wheels charity in Edinburgh, where permanent a number of employees started in the organisation through Adopt-an-Intern.
Ms Constance said: “Scotland is in the strongest position in the UK with the highest rate of graduate employment at 90.3 per cent. However, one young person out of work is one too many, and we are prioritising our money and investment in young people to help them get into work and to stay in work.
“Schemes like internships can be the very break that young people need to take their first step onto the career ladder. Interns can develop and learn new skills while gaining vital experience of the modern workplace.
“Adopt-an-Intern has already seen 193 graduates take up internships with 66 per cent achieving a permanent job. This is an investment in another 110 young people and 110 employers. The talent and potential of graduates will be used to help grow businesses which is good news for the young people, the employers and of course the Scottish economy.”