The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced the launch of a new Graduate Internship Programme, a pilot initiative developed with the support of the Isle of Man International Business School (IBS) and local employers.

The programme is designed to provide an entry into a career on the Island for Manx graduates who are ultimately expected to make a significant contribution to the Manx economy.

The central component of the programme is a two-year work placement with an Isle of Man employer, alongside which participants study part-time for an MBA on a part-time basis at the IBS, thus gaining a valuable postgraduate degree in Business and Management that enables them to make significant and positive contributions to their placement organisations.

Minister for Trade and Industry David Cretney MHK (pictured) comments, "The issue of employment opportunities for recent graduates has had much adverse press in the UK recently. 

"Whilst the situation is not quite as bad on the Island, it is apparent that recent graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to secure relevant employment.  It is also apparent from discussions with the industry that organisations felt recent graduates sometimes arrive ill-prepared for the world of work and lack the business skills which enable them to fulfil their expectations.  The purpose of the programme is to bridge those gaps."

The programme will start in January 2010.  Any employers wishing to take part in the programme are encouraged to contact Andy Stewart, DTI’s Training Services Manager.

Graduate candidates will need to be suitably qualified and be able to demonstrate the necessary commitment to complete the MBA programme.

Applications should be made via www.manxgraduates.im where all internships available will be listed.  Employers will be free to shortlist, interview and assess applicants using their own HR procedures.