The National Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals in organisations in the private, public and community voluntary sectors. Internships cannot be advertised for 3 months duration. The Scheme has made significant progress to-date. Over 9,900 internship placements have commenced since 1st July 2011, with 4,817 internships in place as at 6th September 2012 and over 1,800 opportunities presently advertised on www.jobbridge.ie.
The following table provides a breakdown of completed placements.
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|
Placements
|
Total Finishers to date
|
5,104
|
Fully Completed Internship
|
2,052
|
Early Completion of Internship
|
3,052
|
Early Completers who progressed directly into employment:
|
1,407
|
Our records indicate that almost 40% of finishers to-date have progressed directly into employment. The process for applying for internships requires that an eligible individual must apply directly to the Host Organisation in the manner prescribed by that organisation. As such, the Department of Social Protection would not have access to the current figures concerning applications.