Internships could be a good way to develop skills sets

13:30 27th May 2009

Pursuing internship programmes could be a good way for young people to continue developing their skills sets while the economy remains turbulent.

John Denham, the universities secretary, said that internships form an alternative option while job prospects remain relatively grim and businesses reduce their recruitment schemes.

Johnny Rich, editor of student advice website Push.co.uk, said that internships can be very positive, although they can sometimes favour young people from more privileged backgrounds as they usually pay low wages.

Mr Rich said: "If you don't have the contacts, internships can be another glass ceiling for the less privileged. I am generally supportive of internships; if you can do them they are great but there's a sting."

Internships could encourage young people to seek further IT training or other courses to better prepare them for success in the jobs market.

There will be around 14,000 extra postgraduate places made available in the UK next year, according to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.