UCP launches Gateway

A new scheme has been announced in Cornwall to support graduates looking for employment.

Launched by graduate placement programme Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP), ‘Gateway’ will provide an opportunity for selected graduates to develop their employability skills and employment prospects over a ten-week course.

Debbie Horner is managing the project for UCP and explained: “UCP’s objective is to help Cornish businesses develop and grow through the placement of graduates and to develop as many graduate level jobs as possible.

“By enabling graduates who are lacking in relevant work experience, to take on short projects for early stage businesses and by helping them with core professional and personal development, we can get their foot in the graduate job market.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and I’d urge any graduate who hasn’t found that all important first graduate-level job, to apply.”

Gateway graduates will be paid a training allowance plus expenses over the ten weeks and will work together to provide a business-facing resource for small businesses to tap into.

UCP will develop an individual learning plan for each graduate and manage their personal and professional development through mentoring and training.

Programme director for UCP and Unlocking Potential, Allyson Glover says Gateway provides a ‘win-win’ situation for both graduate and business.

She said: “The graduates get a real taste of what a professional working environment is like as well as a chance to present their skills to a potential employer. Gateway opens up a network of contacts and successful candidates can build their CV with two months fantastic experience.”

The programme will run three times a year but initially there are nine positions available for graduates who completed their degree less than two years ago.

Applicants should visit the UCP website for more information.