Euro cash boost will help secure graduates

Mar 25 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

MORE than 200 North East companies will be able to secure graduate talent for their business over the coming years with a £724,000 boost from the European Union.

The cash injection will help ensure 200 talented North East graduates find employment in the region helping to secure the future economic prosperity of the region.

The money has been secured from the European Regional Development Fund through One North East and adds to the £2.35m investment pledged by the regional development agency last year.

The Graduates for Business programme, which gives SMEs access to high level graduate knowledge and expertise, is managed by Entrust and delivered in partnership with the University of Teesside.

One North East head of European and skills strategy Lesley Calder said: "The Graduates for Business programme is making a positive contribution towards our ability to create and sustain an entrepreneurial culture.

"It will also encourage SMEs within the region to offer new graduate level jobs and stimulate innovation and new ideas in the workplace."