GRADUATES in North Yorkshire will be helped into work with a new partnership between Hambleton District Council and Teesside University to create a graduate internship programme in the new year.

One of the key aims of the council’s newly adopted economic strategy is to support up to 15 graduates a year to find jobs in Hambleton, and councillors have allocated £50,000 per year for three years to make that happen.

To speed the process along the council’s deputy leader, Councillor Peter Wilkinson, has this week signed an agreement with Teesside University’s head of employer partnerships, Dr Elaine Hooker, to work in partnership on the scheme.

“We already have a very successful apprenticeship scheme but now we want to be able to offer help to graduates,” said Cllr Wilkinson.

“But in order to do that we need to link with universities which have the expertise to match graduates with jobs.

“This is a very exciting new initiative for Hambleton and one which we hope will see expertise retained in the district rather than heading for the bigger conurbations.”

There will be two information events in January to outline the programmes and give businesses the opportunity to talk about their requirements.

More information is available at tees.ac.uk/business, on 01642-384068 or by emailing business@tees.ac.uk