CQU students will be better prepared for the world of work after Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development, Trade and Innovation Anna Bligh this week announced a special grant to help students make the move from study to employment.

"Central Queensland University is 1 of 6 Queensland universities to each receive about $116,000 over 3 years for the Smart State University Internships Program that helps universities place pre-graduates with local companies," Ms Bligh said.

"This program is a very practical approach to helping students become work ready".

Member for Rockhampton, Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten said CQU would use the funding to employ a coordinator to administer the program to provide students with opportunities to develop classroom learning or theoretical concepts into work settings.

The program would increase the number of students who were actively involved in Queensland commerce, technology, manufacturing and the public sector in a range of industries in the Bundaberg, Mackay, Rockhampton and Gladstone areas.

Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan said the funding was part of the recently announced $200 million Smart State Innovation Funds. The Beattie Government had invested nearly $3 billion in innovation, science and research since 1998.

"And this program continues that commitment. In this case the program is designed to help students to bridge that huge gap between university study and paid employment," he said.

CQU Executive Dean Professor Elizabeth Taylor said CQU would match the funds so the university could extend its cooperative-based education program.

"The partnership with the State Government through the grant will also enable CQU to extend internship opportunities to year 11 and 12 secondary students so they can experience the working environment of potential career choices," Professor Taylor said.

For details call Inge Leibnitz on 4930 9613.