Final Call for EU-Funded Internship Applications
Greater Lincolnshire’s SMEs are being urged to take advantage of free financial support for internships before the deadline closes this weekend.
The Innovation Programme for Greater Lincolnshire, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, has issued a final call for internship applications as the deadline closes on 30th September 2018.
Through the programme, businesses can receive £1,500 to help them employ a graduate intern on a three-month contract. Any funding which is not granted by the programme will go back to the ERDF as the current round of funding comes to an end this year.
Lesley O’Donnell, Employment Opportunities Manager at the University of Lincoln, said: “This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for companies to use funding from the programme to help grow their business.
“If any businesses are interested in taking advantage of the funding, they need to submit their applications this week. We will be able to help them with their applications and make sure they are submitted before the deadline.
“As we are coming to the end of this current round of funding, we want to make sure every penny available goes to our area’s businesses and back into the Greater Lincolnshire economy.”
To be granted the funding, interns must have graduated in the last three years and the business must pay a minimum salary of £1,000 per month. After the internship, it’s up to the business whether they continue their employment or not.
Paid internships can be a risk-free and economical way for businesses to take advantage of new skills and talent.
“Internships are particularly beneficial for SMEs as they reduce the risk and costs associated with recruiting a new member of staff,” said Lesley.
“They are also an opportunity for businesses to nurture local talent, increase productivity, find future employees and access a graduate’s skills, ability and ideas to the benefit of your business.”
Research shows that seven out of 10 interns gain employment in their business and go on to help shape and evolve the business for years to come.
Read our internship case study here.
To find out more, please email Lesley O’Donnell on lodonnell@lincoln.ac.uk or fill out the contact form here: http://lincsinnovation.co.uk/internships/#contact
Notes for editors:
- The Innovation Programme for Greater Lincolnshire, delivered by the University of Lincoln and funded by the European Regional Development Programme, is designed to enable micro, small and medium businesses to do things differently through grant funding, business support and collaboration with the academic capacity of the University.
- The programme offers various strands business support including: innovation vouchers, proof of concept grants, internships, business advice, a leadership programme and events.
- To find out more, visit: http://lincsinnovation.co.uk/
