New scheme to help graduates

Graduates from the University of Wolverhampton will be able to gain vital work experience thanks to a new £70,000 scheme.

The Graduate Bursary Scheme allows West Midlands companies to recruit a graduate for four weeks and receive funding. The aim is to boost graduates’ work experience and also give companies the chance to recruit an extra pair of hands on a project.

Funding has come from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in partnership with Graduate Advantage and it will be managed by The Workplace at the University.

The scheme enables companies to recruit a graduate on a four week placement and receive £250 per week as an allowance. The company also contributes £50 per week, or £150 per week for a public sector organisation.

Helene Turley, Employment Engagement Manager, said: “The aim of the scheme is to help graduates gain work experience so they can go on to secure further work.

“Not only will the graduate bring new skills to the organisation but it will also enable the company to give a graduate valuable work experience. The scheme is open to any company or organisation in the West Midlands, so we hope our graduates will be able to gain a wide range of experiences.”

Companies and graduates can find out more by emailing The Workplace at the University of Wolverhampton theworkplace@wlv.ac.uk  or call 01902 321688.

Further information

For more information please call 01902 321688.

For media inquiries contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736

Ref: 4938/17/03/10/VW

Date Issued: Wednesday, 17 March 2010