Internships 'must give people the skills they need'
04 August 2009
Internships can be a useful tool for employers and young people, but only if businesses run them in the right way, it has been claimed.
Categories:
Talent management
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People management
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Learning & development
Businesses which offer internships to young people must ensure they allow people to gain the skills they need to succeed, according to one expert.
Jenni Newberry, head of communities at Working Links, explained that although internships have been criticised by some, they can provide a valuable experience.
However, in order for this to happen, firms themselves must ensure they are putting the work in, she added.
"It is really important that internships and work placements enable young people to develop real skills through a structured and progressive action plan and that this involves commitment from the employer," Ms Newberry said.
She also called on businesses to work with other organisations to help young people find work during the recession.
Recently, the Discovering Talent - Developing Skills study, published by youth volunteering organisation V, called on employers to recognise the abilities young people can develop through unpaid community work.