A project based at the University of Liverpool has secured funding to bring together Liverpool city region businesses and final year students or recent graduates. Tony McDonough reports

Small and medium-sized businesses across the Liverpool city region are being offered a fully-funded month-long intern this summer in a programme part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

A project based at the University of Liverpool, a member of Liverpool & Sefton Chamber, has secured funding to bring together local businesses and final year students or recent graduates.

Energy issues

The Low Carbon Eco Innovatory (LCEI) says the focus of the placements is to help address environmental or energy issues or develop new products and processes.

Businesses are involved from the beginning of the process – being able to tailor the work of the intern to best suit the business’ needs.

The intern can work remotely from the university, accessing research facilities, or within the business itself.

‘Great opportunity’

James Noakes from the LCEI said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses in the city region to get a high calibre intern to help tackle issues they may not otherwise be able to.

“It really does cover a large range of tasks. We have had everything from students with expertise in CAD drawings through to product testing and standard carbon assessments for buildings or processes.

“It really can be tailored by the companies themselves. We would encourage any business with an interest to get in touch to discuss their particular needs.”

Range of skills

A number of University of Liverpool students with a range of skills and specialisms are already registered on the scheme and willing to start with city region businesses as soon as they wish.

Projects are also advertised across the university to target students with particular skills ensuring every project has the best possible intern.  

Any business interested can get in touch with James by emailing james.noakes@liverpool.ac.uk to arrange a chat. 

The LCEI brings together the University of Liverpool with Liverpool John Moores University and Lancaster University.

Its aim is to help SMEs within Liverpool city region improve their environmental performance and develop environmental technologies, products and processes.