EMPLOYERS and graduates in Hampshire are set to benefit from a new internship with universities in the region.

Southampton Solent University and the universities of Southampton and Winchester have been awarded funding of £128,000 to create 80 internships in the Hampshire area by the end of the year.

Supported by the Federation of Small Businesses, the Government funded programme is looking to support local companies to recruit and get the maximum benefits from graduate interns from across the region.

Graduate Jobs South is co-ordinating the scheme in Hampshire and will advertise and shortlist prospective candidates for employers.

Businesses will also receive £1,350 towards an intern’s salary.

Southampton Solent University vice-chancellor Professor Van Gore said: “This is great news. The scheme will boost graduate job prospects and help retain much needed higher skills that will benefit the region’s business community.”

Each internship will run for at least 12 weeks with 2008/9 graduates targeted for the positions.

More than 60 businesses have expressed interest in the plan.

Contact project manager Meredith Smith on 023 8031 9734.