Home > News > May 2009 > 15 May 2009

Employers urged to seek out graduate talent

Universities secretary John Denham met with over 100 employers at a specially organised conference this week to discuss the benefits graduate internships can bring to businesses and to introduce the government's internship matching service.

The Graduate Talent Pool service aims to help both employers offering opportunities and graduates looking for internships and work experience placements.

The Employer Conference was organised by the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills (DIUS) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

John Denham said: "Being matched to ambitious and talented graduates who have a wealth of knowledge in their subject areas is a big incentive for businesses of any size.

"That's why it is great news that already more than 40 employers, including Microsoft, Network Rail and Marks and Spencer, have registered their interest in the Graduate Talent Pool. This resource is up and running and free so I urge those employers who want to benefit from the skills graduates bring to sign-up today.

"Of course, putting employers in touch with graduates is good for business but internships also benefit graduates, giving them transferable work experience and allowing them to try their hand at a potential career path and prove themselves to prospective employers."

Jackie Orme, chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said: "We know times are tough for business, but times are tough for graduates too. Internships are a great way to meet in the middle. Internships help young people gain employability skills like team working and project management that will be invaluable in their future careers. They're also a great way for employers to get access to enthusiastic graduate talent without having to make the kind of long-term commitment that is difficult in the current climate.

"We welcome this matching service which will help bring employers looking for interns together with graduates looking for work experience. Employers welcome this kind of real help, which recognises the challenges they're facing right now, while also helping them to plan for their future needs."

The government's aim is for the 'Graduate Talent Pool' to support 5,000 internships, which it says will build on the 2,000 already achieved through HEFCE's Economic Challenge Investment Fund.

Stephen Uden, head of skills & economic affairs at Microsoft said: "Internships are a great way for companies to access graduate talent, and they provide graduates with vital skills and experiences to support their future employment.

"Microsoft views the Graduate Talent Pool as a way to engage the new graduate talent that is essential for our long-term success."

External links

The Graduate Talent Pool website

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