Just over one fifth of the places on the National Internship Scheme have been filled in the first 10 weeks of the programme.
The first JobBridge regional roadshow to promote the available opportunities was launched in Athlone today.
The JobBridge scheme offers internships to unemployed people who can keep their benefits plus an extra €50 a week, while gaining work experience.
There will be a total of 5,000 places on the scheme - already just over one fifth of the places have been filled and the individuals have started their internships.
There are over 2,600 other positions currently advertised on the JobBridge website.
After Athlone, the roadshow will move onto Galway on 28 September, Cork on 30 September and Limerick on 12 October.
Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said that the scheme is a central pillar in the Government's Jobs Initiative strategy ''as it assists those seeking employment to gain valuable experience while enhancing their prospects of securing employment.''
She said she hoped the roadshows would ''encourage companies throughout Ireland to participate in JobBridge and offer valuable internship opportunities to those seeking employment".
Minister Burton said there are internships available to individuals of ''all skill levels ranging from those who left school early to highly qualified graduates of third level.
''The beauty of JobBridge is that it can offer a diverse range of jobseekers an opportunity that will at the very least enhance their employability,'' she added.
