IMPACT trade union says the JobBridge internship scheme should be scrapped.

The union says some companies have 'exploited' the Government programme to replace full time jobs.

It's proposing a 'more refined' alternative to JobBridge - which it says needs more regulations and protections.

The trade union is launching a report called JobBridge: Time to start again? today. In a statement, the trade union says, "the report calls for targeted programmes aimed at distinct groups with varying labour market integration needs such as programmes targeting young unemployed early school leavers, graduates, and long-term unemployed people."

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, IMPACT's Deputy General Secretary Kevin Callinan says the improving jobs market means the programme needs an overhaul.

"What we're saying is perhaps JobBridge had a place when we had skyrocketing unemployment, when we had mass emigration. But really now we need to look at the role of internships in a different way, and we need to put in regulations and protections... and to break it down into targeted initiatives," he said.