KEY DATES

27/2/2026:
End date for all 2025/26 Internships

January 2026:
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 Midlands 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

Made Smarter East Midlands Digital Internships

Register your Interest

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 Midlands 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 Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. 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.

£12.50 per hour + travel expenses.

The 2025-26 Programme has now concluded and is no longer accepting applications.

Contact Laura Fisher on: madesmarter@step.org.uk Tel: 0115 871 8740