The IBEC graduate scheme is to assist recent graduates improve their skills during the current downturn and prepare them for the economic recovery. For businesses, graduate internships are a good way to attract talent for a specific time period or project. For graduates, this scheme could provide an important opportunity to kick-start your career by giving you real life work experience and improve your employment potential while trying to build your CV. Who is eligible ? If you are a graduate and not in receipt of any social welfare payment you can apply immediately for the advertised internships. Therefore as soon as you finish your degree or masters you can start one of the internships advertised on the Gradlink site. If you are a graduate in receipt of a social welfare payment you may also apply, but you must first find out if you are eligible. To be eligible you must have been in receipt of a social welfare payment for 3 months. You must double check with your local social welfare office to confirm you are eligible to take part in the Gradlink scheme before applying for the internships offered. If you meet the eligibility criteria and subject to approval by the Department of Social Protection, you may be able to retain your social welfare payments and entitlements while on the internship. This web site provides a facility for companies to post details of available placements and offers advice on designing an internship that will provide a positive experience for both parties. It enables graduates to register their interest, keep up-to-date on new internships on offer and ensure that they will get the maximum benefit from the internship. IBEC is also collaborating with FAS in relation to the FAS work placement programme. This programme is similar to gradlink in that it is a government supported work placement programme. Further information can be found on the site.