A York-based consortium is to play matchmaker between businesses and recently-qualified graduates in an effort to boost the regional economy.

The consortium, which is led by Askham Bryan College, is looking for graduates wanting to increase or broaden their business skills and to enhance their appeal to potential employers.

Those who come forward will have an in-depth consultation to assess their business and communication skills, with 50 applicants then being matched up with volunteer companies from around North Yorkshire for a 20-week placement.

Full-time employment may result, although no guarantees are given. Nominal payments will be made to those taking part, which could include travelling expenses and the possibility of a bonus at the end of the placement.

The scheme is being delivered by Askham Bryan College on behalf of the Learning & Skills Council (LSC) North Yorkshire, with support from the European Social Fund. It is part of an LSC North Yorkshire budget of about £96 million to raise the standard of post-16 education and training.

Consortium partners with Askham Bryan College are the University of York, the College of York St John, York College, Future Prospects (City of York Council), York Archaeological Trust, CIDA (Creative Industries Development Agency) and Knowledgebased UK Limited.

Edie Corner, assistant director at Askham Bryan College, said: "This is an exciting opportunity which has the potential to benefit both graduates and the business community.

"The sort of people we are looking for are those with the ambition and desire to move their careers forward. It may be they are working but are under employed, ie in a job where their skills are under-utilised, or it may be that although a graduate, the applicant needs to learn the soft skills of business communication and practice or simply needs experience in a business environment to be able to develop their career further."

She added: "From the employers' point of view, it means that they have the benefit of a graduate working within the company at relatively low cost bringing new ideas and a different perspective to the workplace. A total of 150 graduates will be helped - 50 will be offered career placements with local organisations and 100 graduates who are currently in work, but have not yet found a job to match their qualifications, can have in-depth interviews to help them plan the future. We do hope that the response will be good."

Applicants, who must have graduated within the last five years and want to work within North Yorkshire, should contact Sue Shooter at Future Prospects, Swinegate, York, on 01904 634748 or email: admin@futureprospects.org.uk

Updated: 09:50 Wednesday, February 04, 2004