A LOCAL authority’s first-ever graduate internship scheme has opened its doors for applications this week.

Hambleton District Council has joined forces with Teesside University in a new initiative to encourage business growth and support graduate employment.

A Stokesley business is the first to show a keen interest. Analox is looking to bring in graduates to help grow its business producing gas sensing solutions to niche markets.

The company’s HR manager Julie Cole said: “We look forward to working with Teesside University and Hambleton to assist new graduates in securing employment whilst gaining new skills to help the company grow.”

The scheme fits into the council’s new Economic Strategy which seeks to support up to 15 graduates a year to find jobs within Hambleton. The scheme has been allocated £50,000 a year for three years.

Teesside University has secured funding from the European Regional Development Fund to help 33 businesses with a grant of up to £3,999 to cover a six-month internship.

“Hambleton already has a very successful apprenticeship scheme but this new initiative means we can offer help to graduates,” said Hambleton’s deputy leader, Cllr Peter Wilkinson.

More information is available at www.tees.ac.uk/business; 01642-384068 or business@tees.ac.uk; or Hambleton.gov.uk; ian.hopley@hambleton.gov.uk; emma.snaith@hambleton.gov.uk; 01609-767151 or 01609-767058