Grad Start

GradStart - Graduate Placement Programme (For Companies)

grad start

GradStart offers financial and practical support to help Local Enterprise Office (LEO) client companies attract top graduate talent and build long-term capability through strategic project placements.

This initiative enables companies to hire one graduate (Irish or international) on a 24-month full-time contract to work on a project aligned with the company’s growth strategy. Each graduate is supported by an in-company mentor throughout the placement.

Key Programme Features

One graduate per company (LEO clients)
24-month full-time contract
Graduate must work on a defined project linked to the company’s strategic development
In-company mentorship is required
Roles in any discipline are eligible, except direct sales and direct marketing
Companies must:
- Be incorporated
- Operate in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector
- Employ a minimum of 5 full-time staff

Financial Support Available

Support Type	Amount
Standard Support	Up to €30,000 (€15,000 per year) or 50% of salary costs, whichever is lower
Language Proficiency Support	Up to €42,000 (€21,000 per year on a max salary of €30,000/year) or 70% of salary costs, whichever is lower

Note: To qualify for the 70% rate, the graduate’s role must require language proficiency, and the company must clearly demonstrate how the language will be used in the project.

Graduate Eligibility

Hold a Level 6 qualification or higher (or equivalent)
Have graduated within the last 4 years
Be eligible to work in Ireland for the full 2-year placement
Provide proof of language proficiency (if applicable)

Application Process

All company applications for funding should be discussed with your Local Enterprise Office prior to submission. Companies are responsible for attracting, interviewing and hiring their own graduate(s). Graduates should apply directly to companies.

You can apply via Grad Start Enterprise Ireland.

Prior to applying you must do the following:

Contact your Local Enteprise Office to discuss your application.
First time applicants will be required to register on the Enterprise Ireland Client Portal.
All Údarás na Gaeltachta companies must apply directly to Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Download GradStart Terms of Reference document

For further details, please contact your Local Enterprise Office Fingal.

Download the information brochure here