A Preston business is aiming to combat unemployment among young people by partnering with local universities.
Transcription Global, a transcription, translation and interpreting company based in Winckley Square is working with international students who are studying in the area to translate and proofread files in their native language on a freelance basis.
By paying students in the area to translate and proofread files in their native language on a flexible freelance basis, the company hopes to create much needed jobs for young people and build long-term links with universities across the north west.
The company currently employs graduates from UCLan, Manchester Metropolitan University, Salford University, Lancaster University and in a variety of roles, but it has now begun an initiative to provide paid work for foreign language and international students at these and other universities in the region.
Ryan Gibson, who handles online marketing for Transcription Global, said: “As you may know, job prospects for any student or graduate at this time are very grim.
“International students face an even tougher challenge, as they have to move away from countries, not just home, and they are forced to adapt to new cultures in a short space of time.
“Working with us, international students can put the skills they have learned in class into a business environment and get paid well for it.
Polish and Portuguese students have already been hired for a large company, and Transcription Global is calling on students who speak any foreign language to get in touch if they are interested in proofreading for future projects.
The company say that they are also interested in employing domestic students, as long as they have sufficient proficiency in another language. Students also need to have good translation skills, and the company also offers a number of internship opportunities.
Transcription Global describe their list of freelance workers as “continually expanding”, and create additional links with foreign universities through exchange programs.
Managing Director Donna Twose said: “We are as concerned as anyone about the recent youth unemployment figures that have been released, especially when employees in this age group have been so important for the growth of our business.
“We decided that by getting local students in to translate and proofread files for us, we could create jobs and allow them to transfer the skills they have learnt in class into a business environment.”
“We have been blow away by positive responses from the universities, and tutors are more than willing to pass our details onto interested students.”
Find out more about our coverage of youth unemployment here.