An internship programme recently launched at the University of Warwick is already proving a big hit with local employers and graduates. 

The IN-Place Graduate internship programme was set up last month in partnership with the University of Birmingham to offer 60 graduates from the West Midlands a head start in the jobs market.

The programme provides paid internship placements for an initial 4-week period.  It offers employers and graduates the opportunity to work together to bring fresh talent into the workplace and kick-start careers. 

As part of a wider national initiative sponsored by Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the programme aims to match talented graduates with suitable internship placements, building business and retaining talent locally.   

Stephen Ward, Head of External relations at the University of Warwick’s Careers and Skills Centre said:  “Uptake from employers across the region has been very positive.  The efficiency and cost effective nature of the programme has encouraged a lot of employers to offer an internship with many using the scheme as a stepping stone to permanent recruitment.   

“The quality of the work experience offered to graduates is also impressive and with a high volume of graduates joining the programme results are very promising at this stage.” 

The scheme is offering internships across a wide range of sectors including those within professional services, engineering and construction, low carbon / green products and services, manufacturing and the digital industry.   

Rachel Franklin, Head of Communications at global architecture practice Broadway Malyan, said: "We have recently recruited a graduate to work as an assistant within our busy marketing and communications team. The skill set I required was very specific and after placing the position with a number of recruitment agencies I was struggling to find a suitable candidate.  

“IN-Place listened to my requirements and carefully matched CVs, sending me a number of excellent candidates for interview. Although initially nervous that I would be taking on someone with limited work experience, this has been more than compensated by the candidate's eagerness and motivation to hit the ground running. I would highly recommend the IN-Place programme to any employer in the West Midlands looking to recruit talented graduates.” 

To register your interest in the IN-Place programme please visit http://go.warwick.ac.uk/in-place