Job Bridge / Internship eligibility query

Tarzann

Is it possible to get a place on an advertised internship if you dont meet the qualifications on the job-bridge website, i.e. to be in receipt of Job Seekers with 3 months?
I am currently in a contract technician position but am eager to get into the Pharma or Medical Device Industry. I have a masters in electronic engineering and am 3/4 through a conversion course (BioPharmaChem) aimed at engineers who want to get into Pharma/Med Devices. I was unemployed when I commenced this course but started the contract position a few months back. If I had never got the contract it would have been better in the long run, because I have previous semi-relevant experience and feel that if I could get some direct experience in Pharma or Med Devices that my job prospects in the future would be much greater than at present.
I have had about 5 interviews over the last 2-3 years with med/pharma companies for engineering positions but my lack of previous experience in the industry was the main reason for not succeeding each time.
I have a sizeable amount of savings and would be willing to do an Internship for no pay. Is this in anyway possible through the Jobs Bridge scheme or would I have to contact the companies directly?
Or if anyone has any other suggestions on how to "break into" the iundustry?!
Thanks for any advice

bgo1

Tarzann wrote: »

Is it possible to get a place on an advertised internship if you dont meet the qualifications on the job-bridge website, i.e. to be in receipt of Job Seekers with 3 months?
I am currently in a contract technician position but am eager to get into the Pharma or Medical Device Industry. I have a masters in electronic engineering and am 3/4 through a conversion course (BioPharmaChem) aimed at engineers who want to get into Pharma/Med Devices. I was unemployed when I commenced this course but started the contract position a few months back. If I had never got the contract it would have been better in the long run, because I have previous semi-relevant experience and feel that if I could get some direct experience in Pharma or Med Devices that my job prospects in the future would be much greater than at present.
I have had about 5 interviews over the last 2-3 years with med/pharma companies for engineering positions but my lack of previous experience in the industry was the main reason for not succeeding each time.
I have a sizeable amount of savings and would be willing to do an Internship for no pay. Is this in anyway possible through the Jobs Bridge scheme or would I have to contact the companies directly?
Or if anyone has any other suggestions on how to "break into" the iundustry?!
Thanks for any advice

Hi,

No as you have probably found out you have to fulfil the 3 months but if you were previously unemployed that spell may count towards the time.

I'm looking to hijack your thread Tarzann in asking you how was the BioPharmChem conversion course? I am looking into doing this myself, same as you finding it difficult to break into pharma/medical device companies and would be interested to know your experiences on time, effort, usefulness, type of exam format etc

Thanks for any info.

Mrs OBumble

bgo1 wrote: »

No as you have probably found out you have to fulfil the 3 months but if you were previously unemployed that spell may count towards the time.

Ahh, that's not strictly true: if the OP is willing to work for free, without receiving benefit at the time, then s/he is totally free to organise with a company to do that.

In the past, finding a contact within a company to even discuss the prospect would have been difficult. Now you can just apply for the JobBridge, and when you are talking to the company make your situation clear to them - it would be a win for them, because they wouldn't have to do the paperwork.

(Yes, I realise that the thread is over a month old, but wanted to give a better answer.)

bgo1

JustMary wrote: »

Ahh, that's not strictly true: if the OP is willing to work for free, without receiving benefit at the time, then s/he is totally free to organise with a company to do that.

In the past, finding a contact within a company to even discuss the prospect would have been difficult. Now you can just apply for the JobBridge, and when you are talking to the company make your situation clear to them - it would be a win for them, because they wouldn't have to do the paperwork.

(Yes, I realise that the thread is over a month old, but wanted to give a better answer.)

'a better answer' ..humph im in a huff

Yes you are correct BUT the question asked was about 'JobBridge' and for this particular scheme the 3 month condition applies and they are sticklers on that condition. He cannot 'just apply for JobBridge', that is an incorrect statement and wont get him far in the dole office.

You can work for free for any company if they will take you (or try Fas work placement scheme if dont fulfil Jobbridge condition..ie its JobBridge without the extra E50 a week).

Tarzann

Hi, thanks for the replies.
Regarding the BioPharma course, it didnt cost me anything as was unemployed at time of starting the course.
Workload not so bad, weekly recorded video lectures for each of the 3 subjects then some essays/ assignments at end of term. If you have previously done a 3rd level cert/diploma/degree then you'll have no problem with the work once you set the time aside for it.
2 subjects only had long questions and essays to answer and send in at end of term, the other one (chemistry) had one day required to attend DIT for lab, lab reports to submit, weekly (short) question sheets and an online exam at end of term, for which you could have your notes open at home. They also provide job advice assistance, interviews, CVs etc.

Still no job yet from it, have been told its good to have but not a substitute for experience.