New graduate initiative announced

A new programme aimed at placing college graduates with export-led firms has been unveiled.

A new programme aimed at placing college graduates with export-led firms has been unveiled.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O'Keeffe, who announced details of the new initiative this morning, said it would create job opportunities and boost exports.

Graduates 4 International Growth (G4IG) has been developed by Enterprise Ireland in association with the Smufit Business School.

The programme, which is scheduled to run for 18 months, will see 50 top-level graduates securing six-month placements with Enterprise Ireland client companies locally. The graduates will then take part in 12-month placements in a relevant overseas market.

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Successful participants will be awarded a post-graduate diploma in International Growth by the Smurfit Business School.

"Ireland’s economic recovery will be export-led and this innovative programme will initially place 50 graduates in firms with high growth potential where they can help explore new business opportunities in global markets," said Minister O'Keeffe.

"By expanding Irish firms’ export footprints, we can create new jobs at home and drive our emergence from recession and back to economic growth," he added.

G4IG is open to graduates with honours degrees in all disciplines holding at least a 2.2. Enterprise Ireland will pay the full €7,900 cost of the post-graduate diploma and help to cover some of the salary costs up to a maximum of €20,000 annually or €30,000 for the 18-month period.

Enterprise Ireland will also contribute to additional salary-related costs in relation to time spent overseas by the graduate. The graduate salary cannot be less than the minimum wage salary of €17,600 annually.

The deadline for applications from firms and graduates is September 27th. Further details about the programme are available at www.enterprise-ireland.com/g4ig