Over 200 graduates from Northamptonshire and surrounding counties are set to benefit from paid work placements with local businesses through a scheme being run by the University's Business School in conjunction with social enterprise 3E.

The Graduate Boost scheme gives graduates the chance to apply their learning and help make improvements to a real business through a paid work placement. Following the success of the first Graduate Boost cohort in January 2010, the second round of placements has been launched which will allow over 200 graduates to undertake a placement for a period of four - six weeks.

Working in a paid role and with local companies, graduates will gain valuable experience whilst undertaking a module from Northampton Business School's Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme. This module, 'The Effective Manager', will further equip graduates to tackle work based problems in a structured and measured way. 

During the placement, successful applicants will work on a specific project selected by the host company. They will be guided and supported throughout their placement and on successful completion will meet with a head-hunter who will put them forward (where relevant) to companies with vacancies.   

Wray Irwin, Business Development and Project Manager at Northampton Business School, The University of Northampton, commented: "Graduate Boost provides a unique opportunity for graduates to experience the world of work, develop their skills and add to their CV, whilst contributing to local business.

"Beyond the clear benefits to graduates, local businesses will also gain from having projects undertaken by the graduates at no financial cost to them."

For further information, to apply for a place on the 3E Graduate Boost scheme or for businesses interested in receiving graduates, please visit www.graduateboost.co.uk, email graduateboost@northampton.ac.uk or telephone: 01604 893556. 

Please note: the closing date for applications for this cohort is 16 February 2010.