4 October 2012

Dundee to run Government programme helping UK graduates enter the Indian marketplace

The University of Dundee and Indian company Sannam S4 are to lead a new Government initiative to help UK graduates live and work in India, and gain an understanding of one of the world's fastest emerging marketplaces.

Funded by the British Council, the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) Work Placement Programme will give graduates an insight into India's burgeoning business world at a time when many UK businesses are trying to gain a foothold in the region.

Applications for the programme's first 20 six-month placements will open on 15th October. The role of the University of Dundee is to recruit recently qualified graduates from across the UK and to enrol them on the University's Global Internship Graduate Certificate (India).

Professor Pete Downes, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said, "This is an exciting opportunity for UK graduates to enrol on our graduate certificate programme to gain invaluable work experience in an emerging global economic powerhouse. They can take the opportunity to explore India, one of the most vibrant cultures in the world, and boost their employability when they return to the UK."

The University has a long history of welcoming students from India, and each year has around 100-150 Indian students studying with them in Dundee.

New Delhi-headquartered Sannam S4 specialises in helping overseas companies get established in the Indian marketplace: Its role in the new programme is to identify work placements for the graduates across a wide range of industries and cities, and ensure students get the most from their experience professionally, culturally and socially.

Sannam S4's CEO Adrian Mutton, who is based in New Delhi, said, "When it comes to the true commercial potential of India we're only just beginning - as evidenced by the fact that 20% of the world's population now lives here.

"Our company helps overseas companies find their feet in this complex and colourful marketplace so it was a natural progression to get involved in this programme and help a new generation of UK business people discover the excitement of living and working here."

The UKIERI was established in April 2006 with the aim of enhancing educational links between India and the UK. In the last five years, UKIERI has played a pivotal role in establishing a step change in the educational relations between the two countries.

In recognition of its substantial achievements, the programme was extended for five years from 2011 to 2016. Both the UK and Indian governments have confirmed funding for UKIERI and the programme aims to now deliver systemic change by reaching out to larger numbers.

It will also provide opportunities for professional and leadership development of schools, higher education institutions and vocational institutions, support partnerships and develop student mobility and skills development programmes.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
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University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
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