Fri 16th Sept 2016
by CQ
The Nottingham Internship Scheme, run by the University of Nottingham, has flourished over the last three years, culminating in the placement of over 80 interns this summer. We caught up with the Nottingham Internship Scheme's Diane Blything to find out more...
Work FeaturesThe Nottingham Internship Scheme, run by the University of Nottingham, has flourished over the last three years, culminating in the placement of over 80 interns this summer, almost double the number from last year. 48 different SMEs have been involved, each receiving around 40% of the cost of employing an intern. The scheme was set up to help local SMEs tap into student expertise.
We caught up with the Nottingham Internship Scheme's Diane Blything to find out more...
How long has the scheme been running?
It's been running for three years now and has continued to grow throughout this time.
Who is the scheme for?
The scheme is for University of Nottingham students and graduates. Internships are promoted in two 'streams'. Either September to February for graduate internships of 12 weeks, or from March for summer internships of 8-12 weeks.
What's the aim of the scheme?
The scheme supports businesses to hire our students and graduates by way of a grant payment of £1,000-£1,500 toward the cost of hiring an intern. This helps SMEs with their employment and to access student and graduate talent, as well as raising the profile of SMEs as a graduate employer. The scheme also supports our students and graduates in gaining vital work experience and graduate roles, and helps with graduate retention in the D2N2 area.
Are lots of local businesses involved?
This year, we've had 48 organisations take part, most of which have been local businesses. We've also placed interns with businesses in the surrounding area, including Loughborough, Derby, Leicestershire, and even further afield in Norfolk!
How successful is the scheme?
It's proved hugely successful, and has doubled since last year, with over 80 interns this summer.
What do you think students gain from interning?
Real work experience, the chance to 'trial' an industry or job area, connections and networking opportunities and potential for permanent graduate employment.
What benefits do you think it offers businesses?
Access to students and graduates, support with recruitment, a real project completed where there might not have been the resources otherwise, a method of graduate recruitment, funding.
What are your future plans for the scheme?
I would personally like to see the awareness and success of the scheme continue to rise, with more and different employers involved.
A number of the companies benefiting from the scheme are based in the Creative Quarter and you can read more about their interns' experiences in our series of blogs:
Why Nottingham is the place to be after uni
How my intern role led to a full time job
Gain access to professional advice, networking events and grants to start-up and grow your business
Modern urban living in and amongst refurbished lace factories and warehouses. On-trend independent retailers and many bars, restaurants, cafés, galleries, arts cinema and theatres. A buzz in the daytime and a rhythm at night.
Nottingham Trent University, the UK’s University of the Year, has a Creative Quarter campus. Nottingham College is investing £58m in a new skills hub. Confetti is expanding fast. Metronome is open for business and learning.
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