Knowledge Transfer at Higher Education Institutions

Coverage: Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Burnley, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Lancaster, Pendle, Pennine Lancashire, Preston, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire, Wyre,

Finance Type: Business Expansion, Technology, Training and Development,

The Unite with Business programme provides eligible North West Small to Medium Enterprises (SME’s) with a free 20 day graduate internship, placement or work experience opportunity until 31/12/2012, through supported knowledge exchange. The 20 days do not have to be taken in a block period, they can be used flexibly to suit business needs.   

In order for an internship, placement or work experience opportunity to be beneficial to both the organisation and the student/graduate it needs to be a defined task that can be supported by the organisation or the university. Internship/placements can include, but not exclusive;

• Website development
• Market Research
• Design – graphic, product, fashion
• Strategy development
• Software development

It delivers skills, knowledge and resource into business in the form of short term business engagement to address project work or provide specialist knowledge to increase business innovation, performance and productivity.  Business support will be provided via graduates, post graduates and final year undergraduate students that reside within theNorth Westarea. 

It is administered predominantly by the Knowledge Transfer Service within the Universityof Central Lancashireit is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  The Programme is delivered via a consortium of 6 North West Universities, thus assuring local support is available to North West businesses:

• University of Central Lancashire (Lead)
• Lancaster University
• Universityof Cumbria
• Universityof Bolton
• Universityof Salford
• Universityof Chester

Funding:

The project will fund an individual to work within a business on an agreed task or project for a maximum of 150 hours.  Should the project require additional hours the cost must be met by the participating business and paid directly to the individual at a rate of £6.00 per hour.

The programme is able to support more specialist SME needs with a financial contribution towards bespoke consultancy to deliver practical guidance to Senior Management within the business and work with a graduate/undergraduate to complete a task  e.g. ISO 9001 or 14001 accreditation.

Process:

The service will be available to all SMEs that fulfil the eligibility criteria of the programme. Eligibility is based on location, industrial sector, business turnover and employee numbers and businesses must undertake business to business activity rather than benefiting the consumer direct.

To apply and check eligibility, please contact the local University, as detailed below.  If eligible, a joint site visit to the company should be undertaken with the referring Business Advisor and UCLan to determine suitability for the scheme. Successful applicants will be required to complete and return a registration form so that the University can prepare an advert for the University web portal, etc.  Candidates will be selected by interview.  The process should take between 6-8 weeks.

SME business owners who have identified a need to recruit staff with a specialist skill can advertise opportunities free of charge on the Unite with Business web site and have direct access to the talent pool ofNorth Weststudents and graduates registered on the site.

Funding: 150 Hours @ £6,00 Per Hour

Type of Funding: Grant

Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Monday 31st December 2012

Eligibility: Details Provided on Enquiry

Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at the time of publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Regenerate Pennine Lancashire is not responsible for the accuracy of external information

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