The IBEC graduate scheme is to assist recent graduates improve their skills during the current downturn and prepare them for the economic recovery. For business, 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. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanifin, announced that eligble graduates would continue to receive thier social welfare beneifts while participating in the programme. Full details of the Ministers announcement can be found by clicking here The scheme is accompanied by an optional postgraduate certificate in management and leadership, based on a 16 day-release programme. However, the internship itself is structured around the individual needs of graduates and business. 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.