Among the charities backing the nationwide programme are Advance, St Mungo's, Terrence Higgins Trust, RNID, Together Working for Wellbeing and The Children's Society.

Programme Director Rachel Whale said: 'Charity Works is carefully planned to benefit both graduates, high flyers and pa! rticipating charities. We have created three cost effective ways for charities to participate that ensures an increase in talent and a reduction in spend. We are also confident the offer to graduates is appealing as so many are seeking a way into the charity sector.'

'Rewards for our students include professional development, networking and exposure to peers working across the charity, public and commercial sectors. Charities also benefit by retaining high calibre staff, nurturing their managers and attracting new talent.'

The Charity Works 2010 programme is now open to new applications. A celebration event sponsored by KPMG will take place 6-8pm Wednesday 9 March in London. To take part please contact info@charity-works.co.uk

The inaugural programme was launched in September 2009 with 16 participants working across 7 UK charities. Here are some views from the Class of 2009.

Graduate Trainee

Ned Younger, 23, joined the Terrence Higgins Trust as a Graduate Trainee last September within three months of finishing a degree in Art History with Spanish.

'Without Charity Works I wouldn't have a career in the Third Sector!' he said.

'With the experience I've gained I now realise that I could be of real value to an organisation.'

Now Charity Works is looking for its second intake of graduate interns.

The programme involves a dynamic mix of seminars, networking events and assignments.

Topics include Safeguarding Children, Fundraising, Finance, Leadership and Management.

Graduates or final year undergraduates can find more details in the latest e-brochure http://www.charity-works.co.uk/e-brochure/index.html and an application form is available at www.charity-works.co.uk

High Flyers

Liliane Dwek, 29, from London, is one of Charity Works' first group of high flyers. She left her job in Advertising 'to make a difference' and now works as a Marketing Account Manager at The Children's Society.

She said: 'Charity Works gives you a springboard to take on more responsibility, motivation and ideas for future career development.'

Claire Taylor, 24, from Manchester, joined the Charity Works programme after a two-year spell as an Information and Advice Manager in the Prison Service.

She now works as an Employment Adviser for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID).

She said: 'I wanted to work in a rewarding role which would allow me to support others and make a difference in people's lives. I have always wanted a people-focused job and felt the Third Sector best offered me the opportunity to do this.'

'My knowledge and confidence to meet with new people and! promote my own charity, as well as developing future network opportunities, has been a fantastic experience that no other course would offer.'

'Charity Works provides a well-rounded learning experience matched by no other existing training provider. Students can learn not only from each other but also from the trainers who have a plethora of experience. Being allocated a mentor is a superb opportunity to learn from a successful and knowledgeable Third Sector representative and is a unique aspect of the course.'

Teesside Graduate Christopher Brodrick, 29, now works for The Children's Society in London as a Legacy Marketing Officer.

He went into the Charity sector after a career in retail.

'I feel that the Third Sector is suited to my personal and marketing skills and I gain job satisfaction from working for a charity.'

'The Charity Works course is both informative and practical and I have enjoyed working with people from across the charity sector.'

Rebekah Griffin, 25, is a Service Manager for Advance UK in! Warwickshire. A Psychology graduate, she wanted to work in Mental Health.

She said: 'Mentoring has been the most positive aspect of the course for me as it provides the opportunity to discuss one to one what career options are available in the Third Sector.'

'It is an exciting opportunity - if you have not managed before it offers a comprehensive training in all aspects of management.'

Michelle Nurse, 27, helps with careers advice and information for Work in Progress in Leicestershire.

She originally worked for the Department of Work and Pensions. She said: 'The Third Sector has become a real choice for a career as the causes within it can bring a great deal of job satisfaction and fulfilment.'

Michelle said Charity Works has given her the chance to develop her management skills: 'I have been exposed to some great training so far and had the opportunity to speak to individuals who are tat the top of their game within the different sector! s.

'The mentor element has been fantastic and I would definitely encourage anyone who is looking for more than their current role provides to apply.'

Pawel Domitrz, 30, started working in the Third Sector when it first started in his homeland of Poland.

He is now a Senior Social Care Worker in London for the charity Together Working for Wellbeing.

Pawel joined the Charity Works programme to broaden his horizons and open up more opportunities.

He said: 'I would recommend the programme especially to external candidates as it provides an experience in the charity sector and many inspiring training course at the same time.'

'It is a golden opportunity to everyone interested in the charity sector and the best investment in the future career for fresh graduates.'

For more information visit www.charity-works.co.uk.