Made Smarter is focussed on helping SME Manufacturers adopt Industrial Digital Technology to boost productivity, competitiveness and economic growth.
The Digital Internship programme is open to students and graduates in the East Midlands who are seeking paid work opportunities between May 2025 and February 2026.
Internships will be with smaller growing manufacturing businesses across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. All internships will be outcome focused, project-based roles presenting genuine opportunity to apply the skills learnt through study, to find solutions to real world business challenges.
Projects could include:
- An evaluation of a business or manufacturing process
- An evaluation of a new technology and making recommendations for its adoption
- An investigation into the viability of a new product
- A review of digital tools available on the market
- An analysis of productivity data
The programme is open to students and graduates from all disciplines at either bachelor's or master’s level. Applications are particularly welcome from Computer Science subjects, Engineering disciplines and Business related degrees. Those studying vocational subjects and any degree involving research and analysis such as History, Economics, Geography, Science disciplines are also welcome to apply.
Internships will be for a minimum of 80 hours and could be up to 250 hours, full time during the summer or holidays, or part time around studies.
All candidates will receive support from the Made Smarter Digital Internships Coordinator to help identify skills and give you the best chance of securing your internships. You will also receive a workplace induction, regular check ins and appraisals ensuring you get the most out of your experience to help with your future employability.
£12.50 per hour + travel expenses.
KEY DATES
w/c 12/5/2025 Programme open for expressions of interest
from w/c 2/6/2025 Applicants can start to apply for specific roles
from w/c 16/6/2025 Internships start
12/1/2026 Final start date for internships
25/2/2026 End date for all internships
Application process
Stage 1 Interested parties should first register their interest in completing a Made Smarter East Midlands Digital Internship
Stage 2 Apply for / be matched to individual roles
Stage 3 Telephone interview with the Digital Internships Coordinator
Stage 4 Interview process with host companies
Contact Laura Fisher on: madesmarter@step.org.uk
0115 871 8740