10.03.08
Hobsons will act as managing agent of a high-profile Government project for a further two years, following the success of the project?s first year
The UK-China Graduate Work Experience Programme – an initiative from the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills – aims to foster cultural links between the UK and China through its young people, giving Chinese university students the opportunity to experience life in the UK through 12- to 52-week salaried internships.
Fantastic candidates
Hobsons was appointed managing agent in May last year. Since then, 85 Chinese students have been accepted onto internships with organisations including Accenture, Somerset County Council, Tesco, Halcrow Group and JP Morgan.
The Programme’s success is largely due to the candidates, who have quickly adjusted to life in the UK, and have impressed employers with their academic and language skills, positive attitude and flexibility.
Greater cultural awareness
UK companies have been keen to get involved in the Programme.
Paula Quinton-Jones, Graduate Resourcing & Development Manager for Europe at Standard Chartered Bank, who have taken on four interns, comments: ‘We’re delighted with the calibre of our interns – they are already making a fantastic contribution to our business. The interns have delivered a very high quality of work and have developed strong relationships in their teams that have contributed to a better understanding of life in present day China among their colleagues.’
Get your company involved
Paul Clark, Director at Hobsons, says: ‘We have found the project fascinating – the quality of the candidates has been outstanding. We are currently securing internships for the next intake of students, and would like to hear from companies – from small businesses to blue-chips – who are interested in getting involved.’
Further information
For more about the UK-China Graduate Work Experience Programme, please contact Kerry Lofts on 020 7958 5085 or e-mail kerry.lofts@hobsons.co.uk
Alternatively, visit www.ukchinagrad.com