Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 May 2012
121 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of people who have successfully gained full-time employment as a result of interning on the JobBridge scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24449/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Internship Scheme was launched on 1st July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register, at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. The Scheme is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors.
The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. There are currently 4,722 interns undertaking internship placements. In addition, there are in excess of 1,800 internship posts currently advertised on the JobBridge website www.jobbridge.ie.
As at 14th May, 2,364 interns had completed their internship placements. Our records indicate that 890 (38%) of these 2,364 finishers have progressed directly into employment on immediate completion of their internship with either their JobBridge Host Organisation or another company. It is important to note that this data does not take account of an intern who may have secured employment in the subsequent weeks or months after completing their internship. A picture of the career paths of JobBridge interns will become clearer following the independent evaluation of the scheme which is being undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants.
