People working on JobBridge internships should have their pay doubled.

That is according to the National Youth Council, which has been analysing the programme four years since its introduction.

Their report, which is due to be launched later, looked at the motivation of 18 to 25 year olds to participate, their experience in the scheme and how they were treated.

It also looks at the employment they have had since they finished their internships.

A call to double the weekly pay rates to €100 will be among the recommendations in the report.

It is also expected to seek significant reforms - including concerns that the scheme could be displacing full-time positions without giving guarantees to participants.

JobBridge provides work experience placements for interns for a six month or nine month period.

While those who work under the JobBridge system are not paid by the host company, they do receive €50 a week from the State in extra social welfare pay.

Its aim is to help jobseekers who are unable to get a job without experience - either as new entrants to the labour market after education or training, or as unemployed workers wanting to learn new skills.

The European Commission co-funds the scheme for participants under 25 years.

James Doorley is deputy director of the National Youth Council. He told Newstalk Breakfast that the number who are not hired afterwards is too high.