Professional services firm Ernst & Young has launched EY Fast Tracks, an internship and work experience programme.

Ernst & Young has created over 700 places on a range of insight days, summer internships, international and industrial placement programmes aimed at sixth form students, undergraduates and postgraduates, providing interns with firsthand experience of working for a Big Four firm.

The graduate recruiter plans to convert 50% of its work placements on offer into full-time jobs by 2013.

Stephen Isherwood, head of graduate recruitment at Ernst & Young, says: “Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen an unprecedented level of demand for our existing internship and work experience schemes. The appetite of graduates this year is huge — applications for 2011 places are already up by over 135%.

“In response we have not only doubled the existing number of places available, but have also added to the range and scope of the programmes on offer. So now, whether you are a sixth-former, in your first or last year of university or a recent graduate, we can offer you a tailored work experience programme.”