LJMU funds 100 interns for local business

KEY roles in Liverpool businesses are being filled by LJMU undergraduates under a new employability scheme.

The university is funding a month’s placement for 100 interns at small-medium businesses across the City Region where they hope to impress a potential future employer.

“Many of our undergraduates already benefit from a year in industry or the professions, and we are delighted to offer another 100 what we hope is a career-guiding experience,” explained Deborah Pownall, of the LJMU Employability team.

“Undergraduates can bring new skills and fresh ideas into an organisation, and make a real difference in a short space of time, particularly in a small company."

The scheme is targeting small to medium businesses - which employ the vast majority of university leavers in the UK - and offering the intern for free.

“In similar schemes, we have had cases of undergraduates getting experience running projects that the business has in its plan but hasn’t had time to do, so it’s very much a win-win situation.”

What the students said:

I have been able to transfer the skills learnt from my degree to working in practice. I have also enhanced my skills through using them while on the internship. The majority of skills I learnt can be used in multiple roles. Real Estate Student

During my internship as a Graphic Design Studio Assistant, I actually produced some illustration work that I had learnt from the first year of my course so I feel the skills from my course have been transferable to the work experience. Graphic Design & Illustration Student

What the employers said:

…both young ladies are a credit to themselves and the University. Colliers International

We had two fabulous interns, one of which has now started full time employment with another company and the other intern impressed us so much we currently employ her for 16 hours a week until term time commences. Healthiness Ltd

The student always communicated extremely well and alternative times were agreed prior to the shift. She was extremely hard working throughout her time with us, and always achieved the tasks that were set out. SoMoCo Ltd

Both interns were very flexible if they were needed to stay a little later and swap their agreed days around. They were both keen to learn and therefore dedicated to producing quality work in line with the team’s requirements. Sensor City

To host a student and receive full terms and conditions, please email Internships@LJMU.ac.uk or talk to the Employer Engagement Team - 0151 231 6056

IMAGE: Sensor City regualrly takes LJMU interns from engineering, computer science, Liverpool Business School and more.