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GradStart Programme

What is Gradstart?

GradStart is a programme designed to help Local Enterprise Office (LEO) client companies strengthen their growth and competitiveness by supporting graduate recruitment. It provides financial assistance to enable businesses to hire one graduate on a two-year contract. This initiative not only brings fresh talent and new skills into SMEs but also fosters innovation and entrepreneurial activity, ensuring companies are better equipped to scale and succeed in a competitive market.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Companies

  • Companies who operate in the Manufacturing or Internationallly Traded Services Sector 
  • Companies who employ a minimum of 5 full time staff

Ineligible companies and exclusions

  • Partnerships
  • Small enterprises in the agricultural sector are excluded in line with State aid guidelines.
  • Companies with charitable status, commercial semi-state companies, “not for profit” organisations, trade associations, company representation bodies such as Chambers of Commerce, Sports Clubs and other non-commercial bodies or associations are not eligible to participate in GradStart

Project Eligibility

Eligible projects must meet the following criteria:

  • Applications from eligible companies;
  • A project defined by the company linked to their overall growth plan and be part of the strategic development plan of the company;
  • The company clearly proves that it has an appropriate infrastructure (i.e. adequate work tools, desk/PC and support and access to work colleagues/supervisor or team leaders) to enable the graduate to fulfil the aims of the programme.
  • The company identifies an in-company mentor to work with and develop the graduate on a daily/weekly basis.
  • Activities that support the development of the graduate.

Note:

The company, at application stage, sets out the specific title, role and purpose of the graduate for the 2-year contract.

Any change / revision to the graduate title, role or purpose made by the company post-letter of offer will result in the offer being null and void and the grant being cancelled.

Ineligible Projects


Any projects related to a company’s sales or marketing activities.

Eligible Expenditure

Eligible Company Employment Costs:

Salaries and Wages of graduates approved under GradStart Initiative (excluding Employers’ PRSI and Bonus)

Ineligible Expenditure

  • Recruitment Costs
  • Bonuses related to the graduate’s salary
  • Employers PRSI contributions
  • Travel and subsistence in Ireland or Overseas.
  • Any accommodation costs
  • Expenditure incurred prior to the date of receipt of the Application is ineligible.

Graduate Eligibility

GradStart is open to graduates:

  • Seeking graduate entry level positions
  • Have a recognised qualification not less than Level 6 on the National Vocational Qualifications Framework, or recognised equivalent, on the National Vocational Qualifications Framework.
  • Have a valid work permit to work in Ireland (if required) for the duration of the 24-month placement; OR

Hold a 1-year working visa with the option to renew the visa to allow completion of the 2-year contract – neither the hiring company, Enterprise Ireland/LEO will have any liability or responsibility should the graduate be unable to renew their working visa.

  • Have graduated within the last four years.
  • Can provide proof of language proficiency where required by hiring company.

Ineligible Graduates

  • Graduates who cannot provide evidence of having reached the required academic standard on the National Vocational Qualifications Framework or demonstrate equivalence;
  • Graduates who do not, at time of application, have a valid work permit to work in Ireland;
  • Graduates who are more than four years post-graduation.
  • Graduates recruited or on the company payroll prior to the grant support date, graduates transferred from another location of the company to the grant aided company location; graduates performing a sales or marketing role for the grantee company; graduates supported by the Jobs Plus Programme administered by the Department of Social Protection;
  • Graduates who cannot provide proof of language fluency (where required by hiring company).

How to Apply?



All applications for GradStart should be discussed with your Local Enterprise Office, before making an application here Gradstart. Find your local office at https://www.localenterprise.ie

 

Financial Supports