Columnist

Only weeks remaining for SMEs to secure Graduate funding

Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland are continuing to benefit from the funding available through Northumbria University to employ a recent graduate (i.e. someone who graduated in the last 5 years).

The opportunity to apply for the 6-month funding from Northumbria will soon be ending as every graduate must be legally employed by 1 January 2018. This means applications from SMEs for the funding should be submitted to the University potentially no later than mid-November to allow time for advertising the vacancies, interviews etc before the end of December.

One of the businesses to benefit from employing a recent graduate is Laminform, appointing Grace Choi Hoong Chia. Laminform specialise in the production of smart, durable washroom furniture—vanity units, Integrated Plumbing System duct panelling, toilet cubicles using decorative laminate.

Company Secretary Dave Presland said: “It was a way of finding graduates that was reasonably simple, and co-ordinated by people with experience and knowledge of the graduate system. Also, the funding is very useful and gives you an opportunity to look at someone over a period of time for a reduced cost. Grace was able to contribute almost from day one and we are really delighted Grace accepted a permanent position with us at the end of the internship”.

Victor Ottaway, Graduate Internship Manager at Northumbria University, added “More than 100 SMEs have applied for the funding. This includes the first 14 to complete who like Laminform have offered their intern a permanent job at the end of the 6-month internship. What’s really great, and was re-confirmed during our recent independent evaluation, is that the vast majority of SMEs are intending to employ their intern on a permanent basis after the initial 6-month internship”.

“I think this shows the advertising we do on behalf of the SMEs really works as it enables the right graduate to be appointed to each business. It also demonstrates the great skills and approaches the interns bring to the many and varied roles from marketing and sales through to fashion trend analysis and IT/Digital. This is especially pleasing because we have graduates working across a massive range of sectors including manufacturing & engineering, creative, design, architecture, legal etc”.

While time is running out to apply for the 6 month funding the application form is very easy and it only takes about 15-20 minutes to complete plus the job description.

To learn more about the project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, or request the application form please contact Victor Ottaway, Graduate Internship Manager, victor.ottaway@northumbria.ac.uk, 0191 227 4044.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Victor Ottaway .