MANCHESTER MASTERS LAUNCHES GRADUATE JOB MATCHMAKING SERVICE

Press Release

27^th February 2009

Despite the depressed graduate market, Manchester Masters, a new initiative to attract and retain the world’s best talent to Manchester, is aiming to create a further 40 creative sector jobs for Greater Manchester students.

Due to the overwhelming response from businesses to the programme, Manchester Masters will host a matchmaking session for students who make the final 50 shortlist, but don’t make the final 10.

2009 graduates from Manchester University, MMU, Bolton University and Salford University qualify for Manchester Masters and have until March 13^th to apply online at www.manchestermasters.com. Successful graduates will compete for the opportunity to work with household names such as BBC, Warbutons, Manchester United and JW Lees as well as leading Manchester - based creative agencies.

Sandy Lindsay, project director for Manchester Masters and Tangerine MD said: “I am very excited to announce Manchester Masters has evolved from offering 10 graduate jobs to potentially creating up to fifty employment opportunities.

“Since launching Manchester Masters I have spoken with lots of businesses that recognise they need to do much more to support graduates in the City and asked us to help them find a graduate to employ, and of course we are only too happy to help.

“Manchester Masters is still inviting businesses to be part of Manchester Masters and they can register interest at www.manchestermasters.com.”

Manchester Masters was created as part of Innovation Manchester, an initiative to find ways to make – as the name suggests – Manchester an even more innovative city. The idea behind Manchester Masters is by giving ten students each year the opportunity to work in a variety of creative environments to develop a better understanding of regional skills and aptitudes.

For more information or to apply visit www.manchestermasters.com

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Notes to editors

·         Manchester Masters is Manchester’s first integrated marketing graduate programme

·         The project has been created to attract and retain the best talent to Manchester

·         It is a joint initiative between the private and public sector

·         Manchester Masters is jointly funded by NESTA, Northwest Regional Development Agency and Manchester City Council

·         Innovation Manchester was created by Manchester Knowledge Capital and Manchester Enterprise

 Press enquires:

Gemma Gore, Tangerine PR - 0161 817 6600, 07890814261