NEWS FLASH

Good Hope Studies in Cape Town, South Africa, is now offering a new Work South Africa programme that will enable students to undertake paid work for up to 12 months. This programme complements its existing work placement programme which offers unpaid internships in a variety of business areas.

The Complete Language and Work Skills Package is a new programme from Oxford House College in London, UK. The course includes a three-week period of intensive English training, followed by a four-to-12 week unpaid work placement and is rounded off by a week of guided CV preparation and completion of a Certificate in Employment Skills.

Brushing up on professional skills as well as language skills prior to a job placement seems to be an area that language schools are increasingly focusing on. Geos Cairns College of English in Cairns, Australia, is now offering a hospitality "refresher" course for its candidates that offers hands-on experience to help them gain a job in a hotel or café. Also included in its Working Holiday programme is an afternoon Job Workshop that looks at CV writing, how to telephone prospective employers, business English and Aussie work culture.

Canadian school, Hawthorn Vancouver English Language Centre in Vancouver, BC, moved into this sector in March, offering a programme aimed at those coming to Canada on a working holiday visa, those undertaking an internship or new immigrants to the country. The Work placement preparation programme is four weeks long with an optional guaranteed work placement. The course looks at interviewing skills, telephone skills, legal rights, banking information and first aid training.

Canberra and Melbourne-based organisation, the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) in Australia, is offering graduates of its Diploma of Computer Game Development the chance to be paid while gaining three months' experience in the computer games industry. Placements for 10 students are expected to begin upon completion of the diploma in late November/early December.

WorkUK, part of the Twin Group based in London, UK, has launched a new advanced skills placement service for qualified engineers seeking to work in the country. Engineers of all specialisations can apply for the programme, which aims to place them into a paid job using the Business and Commercial Work Permit.

Volunteer Adventures in the USA has launched five new programmes in Bolivia, which include a Teach English programme and wildlife conservation project. The company promises new opportunities in Peru and Mexico, among other countries, this year.

The quota for Australia/Hong Kong Working Holiday visas has been increased from 200 to 1,000, to meet increased demand, according to Australia's Department of Labour.