Latest news with #internships
Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- Times
Micro-internships are a ‘gateway to opportunity' for young guns
It's the paradox stopping thousands of young people entering the workforce — you can't get a job without relevant work experience, yet work experience is becoming increasingly hard to secure. Despite more schools reporting that they offer high-quality work experience, a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research says two in five 18 to 24-year-olds have never completed any. The result? Under half of young adults feel 'work ready' on leaving education. Employment experts point to a combination of factors making it more challenging for young people to secure internships. Increased regulation including mandatory pay, working hours and insurance requirements have stifled opportunities, particularly in smaller firms. Alongside this, the drive for social mobility — although admirable — has blocked pathways for children from independent and grammar schools into many leading law, media, financial and professional services firms. Location is also an issue, with premier schemes heavily concentrated in central London. Finally, traditional internships are simply too expensive for many to undertake. A study from the Association of Accounting Technicians shows 41 per cent of students have less than £8 a day to spend on work experience-related costs such as travel, food and suitable clothing. However, a new raft of programmes known as 'micro-internships' may help young people gain vital experience. Ranging from one-day online 'immersive experiences' and three-day in-house programmes to staggered work over several weeks, micro-internships allows time-pressured students to carry on their studies and paid work, while also bolstering their CV. 'Traditional internships remain out of reach for many young people, so micro-internships can offer a vital route in,' Lizzie Crowley, skills adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, explains. 'Even if it's just for a short time, the quality of the experience is often what matters most to interns.' Crowley believes micro-internships provide the flexibility to explore a sector, build confidence and gain experience that can lead to a longer traditional internship or entry-level role. As the co-founder of a micro-internship matching platform, the UCL student Evelyn Kwan is helping to pioneer the schemes in the UK. She works with more than 80 UK start-ups to connect them with motivated students, who typically work between three and four hours each week over an eight-week period. Kwan said: 'Many students finish university with astonishing grades but never look at internship opportunities, which poses a huge barrier when they begin looking for jobs. Micro-internships allow you to discover what sectors you like and don't like. You'll gain experience, learn from founders and build a network fast.' Chu Yan Hong, a philosophy, politics and economics student, secured a job with a strategy consulting firm after taking a micro-internship with Headstart. He explained: 'Micro-internships work as you can get a foot in the door without needing to have had a large amount of previous experience already.' As chief executive of the 10,000 Interns Foundation, Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell usually asks organisations to make a commitment to a 'meaningful internship' of at least six weeks — but recognises that micro-internships can be a gateway to opportunity. 'A micro-internship is often a candidate's only opportunity for a look-in,' she said. 'Organisations need to be less prescriptive about the way internships are carried out and businesses must recognise the value for employer brand and future talent pipeline by demonstrating small moments of flexibility. After all, businesses are still not able to reach the talent they need. It's beholden on these organisations to be brave and try something new.' Offering micro-internships can have a big impact on early career recruitment. Here are Evelyn Kwan's tips for employers. • Be open-minded to new perspectives: Students have chosen your company because they are interested in your mission. They may well be a potential customer, too, so listen to what they have to say.• Have a clear list of objectives: Students often won't have a clear picture of what you do, so set it out clearly at the start.• Be realistic in your expectations: Micro-internship students are balancing academic study often with paid employment, too. Be flexible to build team spirit and engagement.• Communication is key: Everyone involved in the process is constantly learning, so if you don't like something, give feedback so we can all improve together.• Look for potential: Students choose micro-internships to get experience, so don't expect a CV packed with prior internships. Assess where candidates have made impact in other ways, such as hobbies, volunteering, school and outside experiences.• Look for the opportunity: Employers are reporting record skills shortages, so look at a micro-internship as a chance to address this. Work with your young people to train them in the skills that your sector is short on. Fab Lanza secured a position as an audit trainee at the accountant BDO after undertaking the firm's micro-internship scheme 'Explore BDO'. The three-day insight programme is aimed at students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and is taken during years 12 to 13 of school. Lanza, 21, from Loughborough, Leicestershire, said: 'I don't think students receive enough information about job opportunities when considering their career options in school. From my own experience, I felt pushed towards applying to university, even though it wasn't my first choice. My school didn't offer any assistance with this process, so I heard about BDO from student networks, which shared alternative pathways to uni. 'Explore BDO helped me understand the routes available to becoming a qualified accountant. Having those real-life conversations with BDO employees gave me the confidence to apply for an apprenticeship and know that it was as much of a valid entry point as a university degree.' The number of seasonal summer job postings available is at the lowest level for the past seven years, figures from the hiring platform Indeed show. The only vacancies bucking the trend are educational, with positions for summer associate and activity leader holding steady, while demand for teachers grew slightly. Matt Burney, senior strategic adviser at Indeed, said: 'The patterns in summer jobs reflect broader labour market trends: more competition for fewer roles.' A third of staff are treating themselves to gourmet sandwiches as a trade-off for returning to the office. New research from the product intelligence business Vypr shows just one in ten employees spent between £5 and £10 on lunch last year, but this has doubled to 21 per cent in 2025. Vypr's Ben Davies said: 'Premium lunches and sandwiches are booming. Social media is inspiring people to try new flavours and to size up their lunch, like the Marks & Spencer strawberry and cream sandwich.' A worrying 91 per cent of employees are working outside their contracted hours, the recruiter Hays has found. Six in ten report 'often' exceeding their contracted hours, while 43 per cent of employers believe their staff have become more stressed in the past 12 months due to the continuing economic uncertainty. Hannah Pearsall, head of wellbeing at Hays, said: 'The work-life balance scales are tipping in a concerning direction.' Budding space scientists are being encouraged to join the Race2Space to uncover fresh talent in the growing sector. The educational initiative is supported by the government's UK Space Agency and offers a international propulsion competition alongside mentioning and network building. Alistair John, co-founder of Race2Space, said: 'There's no shortage of talent in Britain, but if the UK wants to lead in the global space race, we need more graduates with real-world, hands-on experience.' Applicants can register at Oxford's Brasenose College is seeking a inspiring and committed principal to succeed John Bowers KC when he steps down in September 2026. Founded in 1509 and situated in the heart of Oxford on Radcliffe Square, Brasenose College is one of Oxford's most successful and welcoming colleges. It combines a friendly, inclusive atmosphere with an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, supported by robust finances including an endowment approaching £200 million. The college welcomes applications from candidates with diverse professional backgrounds who will work collaboratively with the governing body to guide Brasenose's continued success. The principal will serve as an effective chair, promoting consensual decision-making while acting as an active ambassador for the college's values and developing relationships with alumni and donors. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a thriving institution at the centre of one of the world's great universities, making a lasting impact on students, staff and fellows while maintaining the distinctive character and warm community spirit that makes Brasenose special. Apply by Wednesday, September 17 at
CNA
21 hours ago
- Business
- CNA
10 financial institutions offering internships to 300 poly students
Three hundred polytechnic students and graduates will be getting relevant skills to prepare them for the financial industry. Beyond the internships at financial institutions, the programme also allows firms to nurture a pipeline of talent. Alxis Thng with this report.
Al Bawaba
a day ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
AUS students to benefit from practical training and industry exposure through new partnership with Ghaf Labs
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Ghaf Labs–FZCO (Ghaf Labs), a Dubai-based blockchain advisory and consultancy firm, AUS students will gain expanded access to internships, research collaborations, field visits and knowledge-sharing opportunities in emerging technical agreement was signed under the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Program, which establishes industry collaborations in research, development, training programs, internships, exchange of information and personnel, joint supervision of students' capstone projects and field trip Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, said: 'This collaboration with Ghaf Labs opens valuable pathways for our students to interact directly with the frontiers of digital innovation,' said Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering. 'We are very excited about this collaboration because it involves Web3, blockchain, AI and advanced technologies—areas we have strategically embedded into all 24 of our programs under CEN 2.0 major curriculum revamp. By engaging with professionals in these emerging sectors, our students will enhance their technical competencies and gain insights into real-world applications that complement their academic training.'Under the agreement, Ghaf Labs will offer internship opportunities that align with students' academic and professional goals. The collaboration also includes joint supervision of selected capstone and research projects whenever feasible, cooperation on research and development initiatives, expert-led sessions and organized visits to industry settings."At Ghaf Labs, we believe that shaping the future of technology starts with empowering the next generation. Partnering with AUS allows us to co-create a space where innovation meets education. This collaboration reflects our commitment to cultivating regional talent in blockchain, Web3, and AI. By mentoring students through real-world projects, we're building not just careers—but a thriving safe digital economy," said Feras Al Sadek, Co-Founder, Board Member and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs specializes in management consulting, marketing research and consulting, and Distributed Ledger Technology services. They also offer IT consulting for industries involved in Web3, blockchain, the metaverse and other digital asset sectors. This partnership is part of the College of Engineering's broader mission to foster meaningful engagement between academia and industry. Through initiatives like the Al Nukhba Program, the college continues to provide students with access to cutting-edge technologies, real-world challenges and professional networks that prepare them to lead in a rapidly evolving global workforce.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Enriching student experiences: Miral and Canadian University Dubai sign strategic partnership
Abu Dhabi, UAE— Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canadian University Dubai (CUD), marking a new milestone in fostering academic exchange and practical learning in the leisure, entertainment, and tourism sector. The collaboration will offer Canadian University Dubai students exclusive access to volunteering, internship, and research opportunities at SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center. These hands-on learning experiences will be complemented by community-led initiatives that nurture real-world skills and industry readiness. The MoU was signed at SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, by Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications & Events at Miral, Iain Wilson, Senior Vice President Finance at Miral Experiences, and Dr. Adam Fenech, Provost of Canadian University Dubai. With its strong emphasis on environmental studies, this partnership with the Canadian University Dubai aligns perfectly with Miral's CSR strategy of delivering meaningful, purpose-driven impact through education and community collaboration. Julien Kauffmann, CEO of Miral Experiences, said: 'At Miral Experiences, we are proud to support initiatives that empower young talent by providing meaningful exposure to the entertainment industry. This partnership with Canadian University Dubai reflects our commitment to fostering future leaders through real-world experience, innovation, and purpose-led collaboration across our world-class attractions.' Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications & Events at Miral, said: 'We are proud of our collaboration with Canadian University Dubai that aims to nurture talent through enriching initiatives. It demonstrates our commitment to driving meaningful partnerships that create long-term impact through real-world work experience, educational entertainment and social initiatives. This aligns with our ongoing efforts to drive sustainable value within our community.' Dr. Adam Fenech, Provost of Canadian University Dubai, said:' We are delighted to embark on this transformative partnership with Miral, a visionary leader in creating immersive experiences that captivate the world. This three-year MOU is more than a collaboration—it is a bold step toward inspiring the next generation of creative thinkers, innovators, and leaders. Together, we will bridge the worlds of education and imagination, empowering our students to learn beyond the classroom and shape the future of experiential destinations'. The strategic partnership falls under the Education and Skill Development pillars of Miral's CSR strategy, which aims to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. About Miral Miral is the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, that contributes to the growth of the leisure and entertainment industry and Abu Dhabi's economic diversification. It conceives, creates, operates, and manages immersive destinations and experiences that attract visitors from across the world to create unforgettable memories, accelerating the realisation of the Emirate's tourism vision and growth. Responsible for the development of Yas Island and overseeing Saadiyat Island's Destination Management Strategy, Miral's portfolio of world-class assets incorporates entertainment, leisure, culture, sport, dining, retail, and hospitality experiences, aiming to deliver millions of memorable moments for residents and international guests alike. These include Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; CLYMB™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi; Yas Marina; and Yas Bay Waterfront, home to the UAE's largest indoor multi-purpose venue Etihad Arena, amongst others. Miral also has several projects being developed on Yas Island and across the emirate, including Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, a Harry Potter-themed land within Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, the expansion of Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and a Disney Theme Park Resort. Miral encompasses three subsidiaries: Miral Destinations, which promotes unique destinations; Miral Experiences, which operates a diverse portfolio of world-class, award-winning immersive experiences; and Yas Asset Management, which operates and manages a portfolio of vibrant destinations including F&B, retail, marinas, and hospitality properties across Yas Island. For more information, visit About Canadian University Dubai (CUD) Established in 2006, Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is a higher education institution located in City Walk, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The university is the #1 ranking University in Dubai according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. CUD is a diverse and dynamic institution where students representing over 120 nationalities experience an education that is grounded in sustainable development principles and prepares graduates for success in an AI-driven future. With a reputation for academic excellence, the university offers more than 30 specialized majors, concentrations, and focus area pathways, through over 25 accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The curriculum is Canadian-inspired and serves as a gateway for students to pursue higher education, research, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in Canada.
Independent Singapore
25-06-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
WP MP Louis Chua highlights increasing trend of companies hiring interns instead of fresh graduates
SINGAPORE: In a video he posted on social media on Sunday (June 22), Workers' Party (WP) Member of Parliament Louis Chua (Sengkang) shared that he had been hearing from residents who have recently graduated about how difficult it is to secure a job at the moment. In relation to this, he wrote, 'But what is also quite worrying is the increasing trend of companies hiring interns, even for those who've graduated, instead of hiring them full time.' Mr Chua said that he has been hearing about this numerous times in the past few weeks, as he and his team have carried out house visits. He characterised it as 'quite concerning' amid global issues and fears of an economic slowdown. The young residents who spoke to him said that some of their peers have been looking for jobs for several months or even more than a year and have been unsuccessful in securing an offer for a full-time job. 'I think this is something we should look further into,' the MP said. While he acknowledged cyclical concerns, he underlined the need to look further into the reasons why companies may not want to hire graduates for full-time employment. Internships vs hiring graduates for full-time work 'Part of the worrying trend that I've also observed, based on what residents have shared with me, is that quite a number of companies are instead offering internship opportunities to students who have already graduated,' he added. Although internships contribute to students obtaining practical experience, when companies offer internships that pay S$1000 a month to fulfil the jobs a newly graduated full-time employee might perform, this becomes a concern, he added. Mr Chua also said that a lot more could be done by way of exploring ways to incentivise companies to offer full-time employment instead of merely incentivising internship opportunities. He gave the example of a resident whose son had excellent A-level grades and studied computer science, but 'cannot actually find anything remotely related to the field of study'. The MP said he wanted to hear Singaporeans' thoughts on tackling rising youth unemployment and underemployment. 'Are you a fresh graduate searching for a job right now? How can we better incentivise and help our graduates get started on their careers? Do let us know!' he added in his post. His video has been widely viewed and commented on on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok since it was posted. 'I am an employer in an SME, and this is largely true. The real impact comes from the fact that new grads in SG are too expensive,' one TikTok user wrote, while others said that hiring foreign talent is more cost-effective for many employers. 'An internship is just temporary and may lead to full-time employment, enjoying company benefits after staff confirmation. It is still the cost issue. Would the new graduates be willing to start with lower pay than the market rate to get the job?' a Facebook user chimed in. 'Yes… I've been hired as an intern to do 1) full-time employee work, 2) LEAD a team of full timers, both companies paying me $800 and expecting me to do as well as / outperform their full-time staff. Many companies just hire intern after intern and expect them to provide full-time work standards. No guidance,' wrote an Instagram user. /TISG Read also: Jobless middle-aged PMET couple talk to Jamus Lim about difficulties of getting hired
