Businesses should look to internship scheme - RBK

Russell Brennan Keane as this week advised businesses to look to the government's internship scheme to add value to their business. "The prospect of finding fresh talent for progressive businesses couldn't come at a better time. Businesses should look at the internship scheme as an option to maximise government assistance available," said RBK's Brian Feeney. After three weeks of operation the Government's €20m jobs initiative has set up a limited number of internships and has over 700 internships on offer at www.jobbridge.ie. JobBridge is a new National Internship Scheme that will provide work experience placements for interns for a six or nine month period. The aim of the National Internship Scheme is to assist in breaking the cycle where jobseekers are unable to find a role without experience, either as new entrants to the labour market after education, training or as unemployed workers wishing to learn new skills. "In these challenging times, the scheme is worth considering as it facilitates access to newly trained interns with up to date skills or skilled workers that could add real value to your business. The scheme also allows a business to bring in fresh talent, fresh ideas and new thinking and of course to access potential future employees," said Mr Feeney. The companies who apply to take on the interns are not liable for any cost incurred by the scheme. The Department of Social Protection pays the extra €50 a week on top of the social welfare payment the interns are entitled to. In return, the interns are required to work up to 40 hours a week. To be eligible, businesses must meet certain criteria. Full details of how your business can benefit, the full qualifying criteria and how to apply can be found at www.jobbridge.ie