The Government’s JobBridge scheme has more than 2,600 opportunities available on its website and 1,124 individuals placed in internships after its first 10 weeks, it emerged today.
Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, TD, announced the figures in Athlone at the launch of the regional roadshow programme for JobBridge, where she was joined by Martin Murphy, managing director of HP Ireland and chair of the Steering Group on the National Internship Scheme.
The JobBridge scheme aims to provide those seeking employment with access to internships. The voluntary scheme offers opportunities to up to 5,000 individuals of all skill levels.
A number of companies have already signed up to the JobBridge scheme and the purpose of the regional roadshows is to ensure that a wide geographic spread of companies from across Ireland are informed on the benefits of getting involved. It is also hoped the roadshows will assist with the recruitment of interns to fill available positions.
Measures to protect interns
Since the scheme started, a variety of measures have been introduced to protect an intern and safeguard the scheme from abuse.
In order for an application from a host organisation to be approved, it must meet a number of criteria to ensure the potential internship is one of quality. The JobBridge team has a strict vetting process in place to ensure proposed internships meet the quality requirements.
“There are internships available to individuals of all skill levels, ranging from those who left school early to highly qualified graduates of third level. The beauty of JobBridge is that it can offer a diverse range of job seekers an opportunity that will at the very least enhance their employability,” the minister said.
Murphy added: “We have had over 100 interns starting every week which augurs extremely well for us to deliver and exceed on our objective of 5,000 employees for the life of the scheme.
“This is a model that can deliver real value to all involved. For interns, it offers a real chance to equip them with skills, getting them back into the workplace with the opportunity to secure long-term employment. Employers, on the other hand, can benefit hugely from the talented people we have in this country, who can bring new and fresh ideas to the company.”
Over the next five weeks, road shows will take place in Athlone (14 September), Galway (28 September), Cork (30 September) and Limerick (12 October).
