Sylvia welcomes action plan for graduates (From Halesowen News)

Sylvia welcomes action plan for graduates

12:00pm Saturday 4th July 2009

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A GOVERNMENT action plan to provide subsidised jobs, training places and low-cost university places to help graduates looking for work this summer has been welcomed by Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP Sylvia Heal.

Training places funded through the European Social Fund and graduates will be offered 30 hours a week work placements but still be able to receive Jobseekers Allowance.

The region’s universities will also be offering post-graduate courses at reduced costs so that students can continue their studies and increase their skills.

Work placements, lasting for up to six months, will be rolled out in which students will be able to continue claiming benefits and get extra help to cover transport and other costs.

Sylvia said: “This is the first of its kind plan in the country will help students from the West Midlands at the start of their careers to get experience as well as businesses to benefit from graduate-level skills.

“It will hopefully encourage smaller firms who wouldn’t take on graduates to do so, providing them with extra skilled staff and recent graduates with valuable work experience.”

Employers and graduates that are interested in taking part in the West Midlands Graduate Internship Programme can contact www.advantagewm.co.uk

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