Internships are sought for students studying a range of technical subjects at Lancaster University – such as chemistry, computing and communications, cyber-security, engineering, environmental science, maths and statistics, physics, and psychology. Experts at the university work with host companies to ensure the projects meet specific business needs.

The university would particularly welcome interest from businesses that have opportunities for students who could work within their companies during the summer months between July and September next year, though part-time positions throughout the year are also welcome.

Lancaster has a strong record of arranging mutually-beneficial partnerships between industry and students, arranging over 500 a year. Last year, 100% of participating companies stated they would recommend the programme to other employers, and 48% of interns were retained by their internship hosts - it’s a great way to trial new staff.

Previous internships have led to tangible benefits to the host businesses.

Chemistry student Callum Wallace did a two-month internship at Thornton Cleveleys-based Victrex where he worked in their labs examining the thermal and mechanical properties of polymers.

Adam Chaplin of Victrex said: “We find that interns such as Callum are very useful in driving this sort of work forward by focusing on it, whereas permanent staff typically have numerous other priorities. Callum was very helpful and we couldn’t have completed this research as quickly without his help and the Lancaster University Science and Technology Internship Programme.”

Pam Pickles, Student Employability Manager at Lancaster University’s Faculty of Science and Technology, said: “Internships are a great cost-effective way for businesses to gain new ideas and insights from young, enthusiastic and self-motivated people.

“We have a strong track-record of delivering solutions for businesses as well as helping to ensure our talented students gain quality additional experience and skills that will be invaluable for when they complete their studies and begin their careers.”

Internships can vary in length from one month up to 12 months. They can be full-time or part-time. Internships cost the businesses £1,150+VAT per month and this money is paid to the student as a wage. Some funding is available for SMEs.

More information about the internships is available by visiting www.lancaster.ac.uk/sci-tech/internships/ or by contacting Pam Pickles by emailing p.pickles@lancaster.ac.uk or by calling 01524 510193.