Internship programme marks milestone

17th March 2014

Sheffield's universities, employers and council are celebrating three years of working together to give employment opportunities to over 300 students.

Sheffield Hallam University is hosting an event at its new Careers and Employability Centre today (Monday 17 March) to celebrate three years of SHINE, the innovative Sheffield City Council funded internship programme. The SHINE programme has placed suitable students in roles at 89 companies and organisations since the start of the scheme in 2012. Simon Thompson, head of employer engagement in careers and employability at Sheffield Hallam, said: "This internship programme is an excellent example of the Council and both universities working together with local businesses to provide students with rewarding internship opportunities that will allow them to develop their skills and gain valuable work experience. The programme is a key part of Sheffield Hallam's employability offer, and it is one of a range of services we operate for students to help them get into employment after graduating. Steve Fish, careers service director at the University of Sheffield, said: "The aim of the scheme is to provide students with quality work experience that will enhance their CV and offer the opportunity to further develop their skills and experiences. The internship projects are relevant to students of all degree disciplines and the scheme is a wonderful example of how the city's talented students can also benefit local small and medium-sized enterprises." Councillor Leigh Bramall, Cabinet Member for Business, Development and Skills at Sheffield City Council said: -We are committed to supporting young people into employment, the SHINE work placement scheme provides students with invaluable work experience during their studies. The successful partnership between both the universities and Sheffield City Council, has enabled students to get first-hand experience of their chosen career before graduating. The scheme provides a platform to launch a career post university as graduates have the benefit of both academic and work based experience. "Both the universities and Sheffield City Council also work in partnership on RISE, a graduate internship programme regularly leading to permanent roles within local businesses. These initiatives help make Sheffield a great choice for students. The SHINE scheme is co-ordinated by Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Hallam University and University of Sheffield. Employers involved in the programme include Rounders England, HR Media, Barnsley College, DLA Piper, Art in the Park and Peak District National Park Authority. For press information: contact Joe Field in the Sheffield Hallam University press office on 0114 225 2074 or email pressoffice@shu.ac.uk