Internships

Are you a local business seeking fresh, creative ideas to enhance your team's performance? Have you considered hiring a student or graduate intern from University of Staffordshire?

An internship is a paid period of work experience. It lets your business hire a student or graduate that has access to knowledge and skills that you wouldn't find elsewhere. Best of all, our Unitemps team provides a fully managed recruitment process to make sure you get the right candidate for the job.

Why internships?

Our internships are a proven success, with over 90% of our employers choosing to take their interns on as full-time employees.

Advantages of an internship for employers:

  • A great way to inject fresh ideas and new thinking for your business
  • Drive the delivery of a short-term project
  • Access to the University's expertise and state-of-the-art facilities
  • Opportunity to support a student's academic growth through real life work experience
  • Enhance the employability in your region

Funding to recruit interns

We have funding available* for businesses in Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire to employ a University of Staffordshire student or graduate interns. 

How does the funding work?

  • Unitemps will place a talented student or graduate in your business for a 3-month internship.
  • Together with your Unitemps consultant, you will craft a comprehensive internship brief that includes job descriptions, required hours, location, and rates of pay for the successful applicant.
  • You will receive a monthly credit note with your funding discount applied.
  • At the end of the internship, you have the opportunity to offer your intern a permanent contract with your business.

Who can apply for funding?

Funding is currently available to enterprises with fewer than 250 employees (SMEs) in Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire.

  • Only available for roles offering a minimum of 16 working hours per week.
  • Open to specialist roles, such as the following:
    • Web Development, Marketing, Accounting, Mechanical Design, Specialist Administration,

      IT, Cyber Security, Engineering, Games Design, Research, Software Development, and more.

To confirm eligibility, all applicants must complete a short form.

Don't miss out on the chance to invest in the future of your business with our talented interns. Contact us today to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

*Funding is subject to eligibility and until funds last.

Internship options

Graduate internships 

Graduate internships provide your business with early-career professionals who bring a wealth of fresh ideas and cutting-edge knowledge, as well as a strong drive to succeed in their chosen field. With a full-time commitment of at least 12 weeks, graduate interns can fully immerse themselves in your organisation, make meaningful contributions to your projects and initiatives, and gain valuable experience in their field.

After the internship period, the employer has the option to take the graduate intern on as a permanent member of their team. This low-risk, high-reward option offers businesses the opportunity to bolster their talent pool and potentially fill long-term positions with talented professionals who are already familiar with the company culture and operations. With a graduate intern, your business gains a valuable asset who is eager to learn and contribute, with the potential to evolve into a valuable long-term team member.


Student internships 

Student interns can dedicate 10 to 20 hours a week for at least 12 weeks, injecting your workforce with the latest expertise and willingness to support your projects.

In addition to providing the latest expertise, student interns also bring a unique understanding of the latest technologies and trends in their field, which can be valuable for companies looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Internships can also be a worthwhile option for businesses looking to build a pipeline of talented future employees. After an internship, students will already be familiar with the business's culture and operations, positioning them well to join your team as a valuable contributor down the line.


International student internships

In the year 22/23 alone, Unitemps recruited over 195 international students from various countries worldwide who have collaborated with local businesses and university projects in numerous specialist fields. Pursuing a master's degree in the UK, many of these students have prior industry experience.

International students can usually work up to 20 hours per week while studying, with the potential to increase their hours after the completion of their term and studies. At Unitemps, we understand the compliance requirements and can help match the skills and qualifications of international students to meet your workforce needs. By hiring an international student intern, your business gains a fresh perspective and valuable experience from a talented professional who can bring new ideas and approaches to your projects.


Virtual internships

Virtual internships are a great way for employers from all around the country to tap into high-calibre talent and skills. Not bound by the location of your office and geographical proximity to university, virtual interns can deliver tasks and projects for your business remotely through digital means.

Our digitally savvy students and graduates are equipped with the right digital and technical skills to work on projects in marketing, digital design, software engineering, data and so on.  

Making virtual internships work for your businesses

Some important things to consider when hiring an intern/placement student are:

Who can apply?

Our internships are open to all Staffordshire based employers looking to inject ideas and fresh thinking into their business.

Get in touch with our Business Engagement team to find out more.


in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

Top 5 for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2025

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021