Sir, – Amid the wealth of recent criticism directed towards the JobBridge scheme, including the article of September 17th (Home News), I feel that as a recent master’s graduate, and particularly as a recent JobBridge intern, I must voice my opinion on the scheme.
My own initial experiences with JobBridge were mixed at best, encompassing countless unanswered e-mails and phone calls, a number of interview cancellations and even one case of a disappearing interviewer.
Thankfully, I secured an internship soon thereafter, one which I’ve currently been working in for three weeks, and the experience thus far has been nothing short of fantastic. However, I am all too aware that I number among the lucky few.
Some employers are genuine, some will treat you well, train you, invest time in you, and educate you as you work.
However, much as in the “real” jobs market, it appears that searching for the right employer is much akin to the perennial search for the needle in the haystack.
JobBridge as a concept is a great idea for modern Ireland, but the reality attracts unscrupulous employers of all sizes seeking labour paid for by the taxpayer.
As a nation, we cannot afford to pay wages for companies who are turning consistent profits.
The bottom line is, the scheme must be managed better or abandoned entirely.
I sincerely hope it’s the former. – Yours, etc,