Millennials want internships that enhance development, research shows

Millennials want access to internships that will provide them with opportunities to develop their skills, according to Lloyds Banking Group.

Their research showed a demand for meaningful skills, with millennials calling for companies to offer better internship programmes.

Demand  

The bank’s social mobility programme: Lloyds Scholars, found 18 to 30-year-olds spent their internship carrying out tasks that didn’t help enhance their development. 52 per cent undertook printing duties, 52 per cent photocopying documents, 33 per cent making tea and picking up lunch, and 18 per cent cold calling.

The research showed a demand for meaningful skills, with millennials calling for companies to offer better internship programmes.

Of the 18 to 30-year-olds who have taken an internship, 53 per cent said they believe their skills were taken into account and were appropriately matched, while 32 per cent felt it helped to boost their employability skills, and 37 per cent felt they were presented with opportunities to develop their skills and try new things.

Over 75 per cent said their placement had a positive or very positive impact, but 21 per cent felt it had no impact or a negative impact when it came to professional opportunities.

Lloyds Scholars is now looking to boost internship experiences, with the programme taking on 400 summer internships - the bank’s largest number to date.

Important

Lloyds Banking Group Head of Education and Employability Programmes David Rowsell commented: “This research highlights how important it is to tailor internships to meet young people’s needs so they can use the experience to strengthen skills, abilities, and boost their employability.

''The Lloyds Scholars Programme aims to improve opportunities for students to allow them to go on to secure graduate level employment. This goes directly to the heart of our business strategy, and helps us deliver our commitment to invest for the long-term economic future of the UK and help Britain prosper.”