06.08.07
Over 60 Chinese graduates are set to arrive in the UK in November 2007, to take up paid internships in a variety of businesses around the country
The graduates will be the first cohort of the UK/China Graduate Work Experience Programme, a new scheme established by the UK and China governments. The initiative aims to give Chinese graduates a greater business and cultural understanding of the UK, and create an enduring bond between the UK and China.
A further 140 Chinese graduates will arrive in the UK in early 2008. In the longer term, the Programme will become reciprocal, with UK graduates having the opportunity to live and work in China.
Securing internships
Work at Hobsons – the managing agent chosen to deliver the Programme in the UK – is well underway. Activities range from securing 14- to 52-week work placements with employers, to arranging UK bank accounts for the graduates.
‘We are delighted to be involved with the Programme,’ says Emma Waltham, Director of Creative Services at Hobsons. ‘It’s a great scheme and it fits well with Hobsons, as we have 40 years’ experience of working with both graduate recruiters and higher education institutions.’
Interest from UK recruiters
‘There has been a lot of interest from UK businesses in the employment of a Chinese graduate on the programme’, adds Paul Clark, Commercial Director at Hobsons. ‘Recruiters are very excited about having the opportunity to hire such high-calibre interns, while also strengthening their links with China.’
Placement opportunities for graduates confirmed to date include roles in consultancy, sales and marketing, research analysis, finance, engineering, IT, and research and development. Details of which businesses are signed up to take graduates, and how businesses can get involved are available at www.ukchinagrad.com
Coventry and Middlesex to provide orientation programmes
The HE sector is also keen to become involved. Following a competitive tendering process, Hobsons can confirm that the University of Coventry and Middlesex University will provide a two-week orientation programme for the first cohort of graduates, with a further four HE institutions to be announced soon.
The orientation is designed to help the interns quickly adjust to UK working life. There will be sessions on culture and behaviour, the world of work, and business language, as well as practicalities such as health, shopping, transport and personal safety.
Further information
For more information and regular updates on the Programme, please visit www.ukchinagrad.com