Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

JobBridge is a successful work experience scheme, the purpose of which is to break the vicious cycle whereby long-term unemployed people are unable to get work without experience but are unable to get experience without a job. All internships under JobBridge are, of course, voluntary. There is a limited number of occupations to which access to internships is restricted. These include placements in apprenticeship trades such as electricians and plumbing areas. In addition, sector-specific guidelines have been developed and applied for the use of internships in the child care, health and education sectors. These guidelines are published on the JobBridge website.

As the Deputy is aware, a number of cleaner and caretaker internships were recently advertised by some schools throughout the country. These internships did not satisfy the conditions of the JobBridge scheme and we have requested that they be withdrawn. The Department is working with the Department of Education and Skills to review the guidelines for the use of internships by schools to clarify what does, and does not, constitute appropriate use of JobBridge by schools. I expect this review to be completed shortly and a revised circular will be issued to the schools by the Department of Education and Skills.

Overall, participation in JobBridge has been very positive for the almost 34,000 persons who have participated to date.

The independent evaluation of the JobBridge scheme conducted by Indecon Economic Consultants found that 89% of interns stated that JobBridge had given them new skills while 96% of host organisations would recommend JobBridge to another employer.

In addition, the report also found that interns benefited from an increase in their self-confidence, the opportunity to gain quality work experience and the opportunity to establish a network of contacts.

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