Graduates will be able to apply for the latest round of Government's JumpStart intern programme next month.

Premier Ewart Brown told the House of Assembly that the Cabinet Office would advertise the third year of the scheme in April.

Seven interns are taking part in the second year of the programme, which provides recent university graduates with full-time employment for a year.

Dr. Brown said salaries for the JumpStart interns had — along with the consultant review of the Island's two municipalities — contributed to the budget for the Cabinet Office's Central Policy Unit rising by $602,000 — or 94 percent — to $1.24 million this year.

He said interns were getting direct exposure to the workings of Government, including the Civil Service, Cabinet Office, Bermuda Archives, the Ministries of Finance, Education and Environment, the Departments of Corrections, Communication and Information, Statistics and Human Resources, and Bermuda Fire and Rescue Services.

"This programme provides an invaluable opportunity for college graduates to get a hand up into the employment landscape," the Premier told MPs.

"The programme requires that host departments identify a mentor who is assigned to supervise, share knowledge and skills with and be a source of professional and moral support for the intern to facilitate his or her professional development.

"Departments can host interns for a two to four-month placement. However, where a good fit is found, this time period can be extended, provided there is agreement between the host department and the Cabinet Office."