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 of England who are seeking paid work opportunities of 6-8 weeks during 2026. Internships can either be full time during university holidays or part time to fit around your study.
Internships will be with smaller growing manufacturing businesses across East of England (Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire). 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.
 
£12.71 per hour.

KEY DATES
January 2026: Programme open for Expressions of Interest
April 2026: Requirements from companies become available.
May 2026: Internships start

Application process
Stage 1 Interested parties should first register their interest in completing a Made Smarter East of England 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

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