FAST FOOD CHAIN Sbarro is looking for an intern and has advertised the position through the Government’s national internship scheme.

Over the next nine months, the winning candidate will learn how to make pizza dough, as well as how to prepare the other items needed to create a “world-famous” signature Sbarro pizza.

The JobBridge scheme has come under fire in recent weeks as employers are accused of exploiting the unemployed. A blog, JobBridge to Nowhere, has been started so disgruntled jobseekers can post some of the more questionable opportunities.

Since launching on September 7, the site features advertisements for social media specialists, a bakery assistant, breakfast chef, dog groomer, furniture remover and housekeeper.

Such interns receive €50 per week on top of their social welfare payments. The idea of the programme is allow those on the job market to enhance their skills so they are closer to securing employment.

As of September 2, 941 internship positions have been filled, at a cost of €47,050 a week to the taxpayer.

Last week, TheJournal.ie revealed the latest offering on the JobBridge website was a position for a beauty therapist to learn the art of vajazzling.

The Department of Social Protection has confirmed that some job postings were removed from the site because they were not “in accordance” with the intent on the scheme.

The department says it is continuing to monitor the internships being posted to ensure they all meet certain criteria. For example, an intern should not be allowed to work unsupervised or displace a current staff member. The intern should also receive significant experiences through the whole internship, according to the department.

A “whistle blowing” feature has also been introduced which allows jobseekers to report any suspect internships.

Writing for TheJournal.ie yesterday, Aaron McKenna said there are some quality opportunities being offered on the website but they are being tainted by more unprincipled employers taking advantage.

We’ve taken a look at some of the internships that made the cut and are still on offer through the scheme: