Glasgow extends job link

While others are being encouraged to carve out their own careers by setting up in business.

SIR Ron Dearing's emphasis on work experience has been boosted by Glasgow Development Agency's decision to extend a scheme which links local students and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Profit by Placement project aims to help SMEs forge ties with the city's three universities, provide placements which help business performance, and give the students commercial experience.

David Ward, a Glasgow University computer science student, has won the first GDA award for the scheme, following a summer pilot project which placed students with 23 SMEs. Mr Ward developed a computerised management information system linking the five offices of Kenneth MacLeod Travel.

The GDA will run the scheme for three years. It is open to Glasgow-based, private firms with up to 100 staff, and students in their penultimate year at Glasgow, Glasgow Caledonian or Strathclyde. The placements can be full or part-time, lasting from eight to 26 weeks. The students initially complete a business skills programme which trains them in project management, report writing, problem solving and teamworking.