Hobsons secures Government contract until 2010

Recruitment specialist Hobsons will act as managing agent of a high-profile Government project for a further two years, following the success of the projectís first year.

The UK-China Graduate Work Experience Programme ñ an initiative from the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills ñ aims to foster cultural links between the UK and China through its young people, giving Chinese university students the opportunity to experience life in the UK through 12- to 52-week salaried internships.

Hobsons was appointed managing agent in May last year. Since then, 85 Chinese students have been accepted onto internships with organisations including Accenture, Somerset County Council, Tesco, Halcrow Group and JP Morgan.

The Programmeís success is largely due to the candidates, who have quickly adjusted to life in the UK, and have impressed employers with their academic and language skills, positive attitude and flexibility.

UK companies have been keen to get involved in the Programme. Paula Quinton-Jones, Graduate Resourcing & Development Manager for Europe at Standard Chartered Bank, who have taken on four interns, comments: ëWeíre delighted with the calibre of our interns ñ they are already making a fantastic contribution to our business. The interns have delivered a very high quality of work and have developed strong relationships in their teams that have contributed to a better understanding of life in present-day China among their colleagues.í

Paul Clark, Director at Hobsons, says: ëWe have found the project fascinating ñ the quality of the candidates has been outstanding. We are currently securing internships for the next intake of students, and would like to hear from companies ñ from small businesses to blue-chips ñ who are interested in getting involved.í