The Internship Programme is being funded by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and will offer paid graduate internships with employers in the region.

It aims to make those who apply for an internship more employable by offering paid for work experience, advice and feedback.

Martin Edmondson, Graduates Yorkshire Chief Executive, says the programme will raise standards in graduate recruitment: “Many companies take advantage of students by offering work experience or non-paid intern positions. Not everyone has the ability to work for up to a year without being paid.

“By offering paid internships, companies gain from getting the most talented graduates and not the ones with wealthy parents. Creating roles with real projects and value also ensures firms get the most out of an intern whilst offering the graduates genuine work experience.

“Our research shows that graduates enhance companies by increasing productivity and offering the business new skills. In the current economic climate, businesses need all the help they can get and an intern can offer real benefits.”

Applicants for The Graduates Yorkshire Internship Programme will take part in bootcamp training days to assess the candidates and ensure even the unsuccessful applicants are more employable after they’ve finished.

Ian Green from GREEN Communications said: “We have worked with Graduates Yorkshire in the past and we have an excellent working relationship both with them and the key journalists in the education and human resource sector. Expect lots of social media elements to this campaign too.”