Hallam teams up with local engineering firm on mentorship scheme

22nd March 2016

Sheffield Hallam University has joined forces with a local engineering firm as part of an innovative mentorship scheme.

The University has set up an Enhanced Mentored Internship (EMI) with Sheffield-based Mayflower Engineering, which involves academic experts working with the company to mentor a graduate intern. EMIs are similar to knowledge transfer partnerships and are a three-way partnership between a business, an academic institution and a graduate. Mayflower Engineering's intern, Joe Wright, is working as marketing manager for the company on a 12-month contract. He said: -This internship is a unique learning opportunity, as it gives me the chance to work alongside the university's expert team. "Crucially, the partnership also provides Mayflower Engineering with access to specialist support and marketing knowhow. My mentor Nigel Jones has been a pillar of support, both in terms of personal development and guidance on marketing initiatives. Joe is receiving half-a-day per week of academic support from Nigel Jones, principal lecturer in marketing at Sheffield Hallam. Nigel said: "As a university our role is about trying to upskill people and we can do that by establishing these relationships with local businesses. Enhanced mentored internships are a win-win for everyone involved." Mayflower's Managing Director Kevan Bingham said of the partnership: "At Mayflower Engineering, we have a culture of continuous improvement which drives us to be innovative in our approach. Working alongside world class institutions such as Sheffield Hallam University is an integral part of our plan for innovation and growth." The University is currently running EMIs with two other companies; C-Probe Systems Limited and Stylex Auto Products. For press information: Joanne Beattie in the Sheffield Hallam University press office on 0114 225 2811 or email pressoffice@shu.ac.uk