A severely underused and under-appreciated resource for companies in the UK is the use of internships. While many companies will hire temps for projects that require extra staff, paying agency fees for semi-qualified workers; by providing an intern with a job you are not only helping them out by providing them with valuable experience within a specific industry, but you will pay far less for a generally more enthusiastic workforce.

The benefits of internships are manifold. Not only is it a great method for the intern to explore and industry and plan for the future, but it's an excellent way for them to develop contacts, gain an insight into the working world, and is invaluable in improving their CV for subsequent employment. It's not just like most student summer jobs, however - it also provides a fantastic life experience for the intern - an overseas internship is generally the first taste of living in a foreign country, granting them the opportunity to gain some independence and make informed decisions and help shape their future endeavors.

Some companies offer free internships, in order to help prospective interns gain experience and references, or to help out those on university courses where a work placement abroad is a requirement for completing their course. Some will pay for their interns' accommodation and travel expenses, others will simply offer a flat rate. Internships vary immensely not only in industry, but also in length and the kind of work offered. Many are vaguely akin to a internship, whether it is answering phones, data entry, or working as part of a team in another area of the company; but sometimes internships are offered as an assistant to a consultancy, in the hospitality industry, or in the media. With such a wide variety of possible roles for interns to play within the organization, their flexibility, relatively inexpensive nature and enthusiasm, interns can provide an extremely valuable service to your company - making it a wonder why the concept hasn't ever really taken off in the UK.

Anne Edmonds provides work placement with interesting articles. Please visit www.interntown.com for more information.