THE NORTH EAST has been chosen to pilot a works experience scheme which will help build a relationship with China.
The Chinese Government in the city of Wuhan is funding Hireshared Talent Consulting in a bid to give students at the region’s universities the opportunity to get real experience in their chosen career.
And businesses which sign up for the scheme, which has no cost to them, can also benefit from a financial reward for each student they take.
Dr Yoco Cao, who is running Hireshared in the North East, said the hope is that the initial project will be so successful that it will be rolled out nationally.
“This is a great opportunity for businesses from all sectors – from architecture to engineering, from digital to design – to have support from students and at the same time give them some real experience,” she explained.
“Most of the students working with us have Masters degrees so they will already come with a wealth of knowledge and can hopefully be very useful to the businesses, while also getting some valuable insight.”
Businesses need to commit themselves to a three month office based placement, giving the students ten hours of work a week, with the opportunity to give multiple places also available.
Initially the student and the company get a one week trial to see if they are a good fit and then the placement will commence, with the business receiving an initial payment of between £100 – £200.
On completion the business will get a further fee, once they have filled in an evaluation form outlining the students’ achievements.
Dr Cao now wants to hear from any companies that can offer paid and unpaid placement for the students, who will come from universities in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and Teesside.
“We believe this is a win win situation for both the business community of the North East and for the many Chinese students who are here,” she said.
Anyone wanting to find out more should email yoco.cao@hireshared.co.uk
