Staffordshire University launches green intern scheme

STAFFORDSHIRE University has launched an internship scheme to coincide its hosting of a major international conference on green energy.

The scheme will see graduates working for renewable energy companies, in areas such as attracting investment and research.

The four-week internships are designed to attract high calibre graduates with an interest in furthering their experience of the renewable energy sector.

Rob McKay, client manager at Staffordshire University’s Business School, said: “We will be looking to recruit high-quality individuals who meet the needs of the companies engaged in the programme.

“The interns will get practical, hands on expertise of working within a company, as well as working in an area that is growing rapidly now and will continue to grow in the future.”

The internship scheme will be funded jointly by the university and respective companies.
The scheme is designed to help companies predominately working in the renewable energies and low carbon sector to tackle activities such as:

• Researching overseas markets
• Evaluating and improving internal processes
• Creating a marketing strategy
• Developing an investment case for a new project
• Developing HR procedures and policy

“We believe internships will appeal particularly to smaller companies who are facing growth opportunities,” added Mr McKay.

The university is also expected to benefit, with a raised profile within the green energy sector.

The internship scheme was launched at the three-day Renewable Energies Transfer System (RETS) event, which was funded by the EU’s funding body INTERREG IVC.

The event was attended by leading experts on environmentally friendly energy sources, energy and housing company representatives, councillors and other officials from around Europe.

Subjects covered included photovoltaic policy and practice, renewable energy community projects and business support, funding for research and implementation, and the advantages of wind energy.

Conference chair Jon Fairburn, from Staffordshire University’s Business School, said: “We are interested in the whole energy supply chain; people sometimes think it is all about the technology but you also need professional services and professional skills to be developed. We are pleased to be supporting local businesses in this way.”