Time running out for free help for graduates in Hertfordshire (From Watford Observer)

Time running out for free help for graduates in Hertfordshire

11:10am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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The deadline is approaching for graduates living or working in Hertfordshire to qualify for free support from the University of Hertfordshire to help manage their career out of the recession.

The University of Hertfordshire is working with the government to provide support to Hertfordshire graduates though the Economic Challenge Investment Fund (ECIF).

The Fund helps unemployed graduates or those at risk of unemployment to get their careers back on track following the challenging economic situation. The ECIF helps by supporting them to start their own business, change career direction or to gain better skills.

Graduate, Louise Young from the University approached the ECIF earlier this year. She said: “It really helped me feel positive about jobs and my future. Since January, I have had three job interviews, two of which have led to second interviews - so hopefully a job will come from one of them.”

Applications to the Fund must be received by March 31 - so the University is appealing to graduates to register their interest by emailing graduate futures, the University of Hertfordshire’s graduate jobs and careers network graduate.futures@herts.ac.uk.

Anusha Everson, Director of Graduate Employment said: “We appreciate that job options for graduates are extremely competitive at the moment. We are committed to helping graduates - throughout their careers, to be flexible and spot opportunities that live up to their aspirations and transfer their skills more effectively to where the economy needs them the most.”

Those eligible for the ECIF need to be over 18 years old, a graduate, and reside or work in Hertfordshire.