Keele’s Spotlight on Internships
A hundred delegates attended a breakfast event at Keele Hall, to hear about the University’s graduate internship scheme.
Kathy England, from Research and Enterprise Services at Keele said: "Feedback from the event indicates that 85% of the companies are considering taking on a graduate through our internship service – this is great news for local graduates looking to stay in the area and get their first graduate job.”
Sixty organisations heard how companies in Staffordshire and Shropshire have been able to boost and transform their businesses by taking on graduate interns. Guest speakers included TSB Supply Chain, Telford, Stoke-based Inspired Film & Video and Staffordshire Chambers who between them have employed thirteen graduates via Keele’s scheme.
The graduate interns presented alongside their employers and impressed the audience with the way that they have adapted from higher education to the commercial world, and made a real impact on the business. Graham Best, owner/director of TSB Supply Chain urged the audience to “look beyond the CV” when selecting new employees and enthused about his four graduates who have given him a fresh way of thinking and “revolutionised the business”.
Importantly, the event saw the launch of Keele’s internship scheme for larger employers, giving them access to a free graduate recruitment service. This will run alongside the existing scheme for small and medium sized businesses, which is supported by funding from Santander to help with graduate wages.
Over the last four years 430 internships have been arranged through Keele’s scheme and on the most recent scheme, 53% of internships have resulted in permanent jobs, with 31% of employers taking more than one graduate.
Information on Keele’s Internship Scheme:
The scheme is open to companies of all sizes and all sectors – the internship is based on a 12-week minimum period of paid graduate level work, and is suitable for one-off projects or as an opportunity to sample graduate talent. It less risky than taking on a permanent member of staff from day one, and small and medium sized companies can also benefit from £1,500 funding provided by Santander. Keele provide interview ready graduates who are matched to the company requirements, with the company making the final choice of intern. http://www.keele.ac.uk/internships/ or call 01782 733403. internships@keele.ac.uk