Funding scheme can work for graduates and local businesses (From The Northern Echo)

Funding scheme can work for graduates and local businesses

7:00am Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News By Barry Nelson, Health Editor

BUSINESSES can now benefit from a partnership between Teesside University and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council which could be worth over 3,000.

The subsidy is on offer for businesses which employ a graduate through the University's Graduate for Business Scheme for 12 weeks.

If the business is based in the Redcar Cleveland area or the graduate employed lives there and the business retains them for a further 12 weeks, then an additional subsidy is available from the council.

Graduate Tom Coates was recruited through the Teesside University scheme and as he lives in Redcar, his new employer, Catalyst Stockton benefited from the double funding.

The remainder of Tom's 12-month salary is paid by Transforming Local Infrastructure, part of the Governments Big Fund.

Catalyst works with voluntary and charity groups to help secure funding and then provides specialist support.

Tom graduated in 2012 with a BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology - it was while he was looking for his first step on the career ladder that he heard about the Graduates for Business scheme and the position at Catalyst.

"I first started at Catalyst as a researcher, and now I also work as part of the communications team producing a weekly e-bulletin which reaches over 200 voluntary organisations in the local area. The e-bulletin informs the sector of local opportunities which they may be interested in, and it is great to know my work helps others in the area. I am also working with Catalyst's new business, Catalyst Design Solutions, which offers a discounted design service for local charities.

"This is my first role since university and I am learning a lot about the voluntary and community sector - an area in which I had little knowledge about when I started at Catalyst. It is a pleasure to work with and around the inspirational people here in Stockton. I know the experience and knowledge I gain here will benefit me as I progress through my career.

"The Graduates for Business initiative is a great way to get the experience needed to start any career. I see myself as very lucky to have access to this fantastic scheme."

Allison Agius, chief executive officer of Catalyst, said: "This has been a fantastic opportunity for us to be able to bring a new graduate onboard. It gives us the chance to access fresh thinking and new ideas from someone who is new to the third sector. People often don't realise that as well as the public and private sector, the voluntary and community sector can also offer a career path."

The Graduates for Business scheme is open to unemployed graduates from any university. Graduates also receive support which includes interview tips, mock interviews and access to a specialist careers library and events.

Businesses can find out more from Mark Thorpe at m.thorpe@tees.ac.uk

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