BUSINESSES in Great Yarmouth are being encouraged to take part in a graduate internship programme run by the University of East Anglia while an advantageous 40pc subsidy is still available.

The Project Evolve scheme offers the opportunity for local organisations to secure a recent graduate to work on a specific project for up to 12 weeks, either full or part-time.

From funeral homes and film-making agencies, to wind farms and local brewers, more than 140 organisations have already taken part in the mutually beneficial scheme. Businesses include the BeWILDerwood adventure park, Norwich Arts Centre, the Raffles restaurant chain, and Visit Norwich.

Securing a graduate with new skills and a fresh approach is a cost-effective way to help organisations get a new or outstanding initiative off the ground whilst giving the graduate development opportunities and experience.

To help organisations secure a graduate intern, Project Evolve is offering a 40pc subsidy towards the cost of the internship for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). But graduates must be in place at an organisation by the end of March for businesses to benefit from this valuable offer. Subsidies will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Larger organisations are also eligible to take part, however the subsidy is only available to SMEs.

The process of securing a graduate intern to work within an organisation is not only cost effective but also straight-forward.

Norwich Arts Centre director Stuart Hobday said: “The programme has been very well designed. It is a straightforward process, hassle-free and we had a range of quality graduates to choose from.”

Beyond March, it is unlikely that the same level of funding support will be available.

Julie Schofield, business development manager for the programme, said: “Feedback from participating organisations has been overwhelmingly positive and any organisations wanting to participate and take advantage of this funding should contact us urgently.”

To participate on the programme, please contact 01603 591574, email evolveinternship@uea.ac.uk or visit www.uea.ac.uk/nbs/intern.