Made Smarter Internship scheme opens for East SME Manufacturers

Made Smarter Adoption East of England Programme, delivered by Norfolk County Council, will support manufacturing and engineering SMEs across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk with their adoption and implementation of industrial digital technologies from April 2025

Within this package of support for manufacturers is the Made Smarter Internship Programme, which will see a matchmaking process connecting forward-thinking businesses with the next generation of professionals and the brightest talent from our region’s universities for digital internships during the summer of 2025.

We invite companies to get in touch and register their interest to the Made Smarter East of England Programme Team.

The Made Smarter Internship Programme offers businesses the chance to host motivated students eager to apply cutting-edge skills and insights to real-world challenges. By participating, companies will not only gain valuable support for their digital projects but play a crucial role in shaping the future of manufacturing and engineering.

“Our mission is to empower businesses with the fresh talent they need to thrive in a competitive marketplace,” said Programme Manager James Williamson. “The Made Smarter Internship Programme bridges the gap between the region’s academic expertise and industry demands, creating a win-win for both companies and aspiring professionals, particularly focused around the adoption of Industrial Digital Technologies.”

Made Smarter is able to fund 75% of 12 digital interns’ National Living Wage costs, up to £2,060 per company, for a 6-week internship with a SME. Where companies are willing to take on the full costs, we are also able to support with the matchmaking process. Please note that some regional universities have their own funding to help support the costs of internships for employers.

Don’t miss this chance to innovate, grow, and inspire the next generation of engineering and manufacturing leaders!

About Made Smarter Adoption

The Made Smarter Adoption Programme is committed to advancing digital transformation in UK manufacturing. By connecting businesses with the tools, talent and support they need, Made Smarter drives growth, innovation, and sustainability across the sector.

From 1 April 2025, the Made Smarter Adoption Programme will be extended to new regions across the UK including the East of England. Companies should sign up here to take advantage of a high-level business diagnostic, roadmaps supporting manufacturers’ digital journeys, intensive support around industrial digital technologies and match-funded grants up to £20,000.