Participation in graduate placement scheme
Wyse questioned the reduced level of the graduate placement scheme and employers’ low participation, urging incentives. Ahern said the work experience programme had ended, graduate placement take-up had traditionally been low, and he would pass on Wyse’s views to FÁS.
I understand that the employers show little or no interest in the graduate placement and work experience programmes. If that is the case, I should like the Minister to make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
The work experience programme is not now in operation following the decision of the Government a year ago. The graduate placement scheme is still in operation but at a reduced level compared with previously.
Comment on this
Why is it at a reduced level? Is it because employers are showing little or no interest in this programme? That is the information that has been given to me. Some action should be taken and some incentives should be created for employers to participate fully in this programme.
Comment on this
I shall convey the Deputy's views to FÁS, because it is a matter for the day-to-day administration. The work experience programme, as I have said, has now gone and the take-up under the graduate placement scheme has not been high traditionally. I do not want to say that is the fault of anybody; it is the tradition.