The Convergence Partnership Office has welcomed today’s Government announcement unveiling the national Graduate Talent Pool – a new graduate internship initiative.
Since 2004 Cornwall has had its own graduate placement scheme, Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP), which will now work alongside the Graduate Talent Pool ensuring the two programmes have a greater impact on Cornwall’s economy.
Peter Mandelson today explained that the Graduate Talent Pool will offer supported internships in businesses across the UK. It is part of a package of measures to support graduates to improve their employability skills and support business at the same time. The website will advertise this service to graduates seeking quality internships and work experience placements, as well as employers offering opportunities.
UCP was initially supported by the Objective One Programme and is now receiving ESF (European Social Fund) Convergence investment. Run by the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) the scheme places graduates with businesses in Cornwall and offered expert support for up to one year. Statistics have shown that more than 70% of the graduates are kept on once the year is up.
Allyson Glover, head of graduate placements with UCP, said: “We welcome today’s announcement about the Graduate Talent Pool as it raises awareness of the contribution graduates can make. In Cornwall the ESF Convergence investment already provides an advantage to small and medium sized businesses through supported and subsidised programmes to stimulate this activity.
“We will be working closely alongside the Graduate Talent Pool to ensure that all opportunities in Cornwall will be posted on the website and we encourage local employers to contact us to see how we may be able to support their placements and internships. With more than 6,500 students studying Higher Education across the Combined Universities in Cornwall partnership each year businesses have a great opportunity to tap into this talent to help their businesses grow.”
Carleen Kelemen, director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, added: “This national initiative recognises the value of graduates and their connection to universities by injecting knowledge into small and micro businesses and helping them grow. With investment from ESF Convergence Unlocking Cornish Potential is already doing this. By working with the new Graduate Talent Pool this work can be further expanded and our economy strengthened.”
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