Keywords
Citation
(2000), "Graduates urged to join small firms", Education + Training, Vol. 42 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2000.00442fab.005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited
Graduates urged to join small firms
Graduates urged to join small firms
Keywords Small firms, Graduates
University students should consider the benefits of joining a smaller company on graduation. Research carried out by recruitment consultancy Supply Chain Personnel shows that eight out of ten clients who had, for their first job, entered a smaller firm enjoyed more responsibility and hands-on experience and benefited from a "nurturing" environment. Mark Williams, Supply Chain Personnel operations director, said: "Graduates are increasingly considering joining smaller companies on their graduation rather than entering fast-track graduate-training schemes in large firms. Salaries may not be as high at the outset in smaller companies, but the chance of greater involvement, more responsibility and the opportunity for feedback should more than make up for this."
The Welsh Development Agency (WDA) has secured money to help graduates living in rural Wales to explore setting up in business for themselves. Funding from the European Regional Development Fund means that, for the next two years, a range of practical help is on offer to graduates living throughout mid-Wales through the Graduates Mean Business programme. "The scheme is designed to help graduates to take a hard, serious look at setting up their own business as a career option. If they consider it is worthwhile to pursue the idea, we can provide a range of professional support and advice on all aspects of business planning and funding through our network of Business Connect advisors", said Karen Latham, business-development director of the WDA's mid-Wales division. The programme is free and delivered on a one-to-one basis in a series of modules lasting up to two hours. Help in looking at possible ideas for self-employment, and help to carry out market research, business planning and identifying possible sources of grant aid towards start-up costs, are included in the programme.
For details Tel: +44 1544 267266.