Nota Bene Supports Future Talent Through Sheffield Internship Programme

20th April 2026

Nota Bene partnered with the University of Sheffield’s Sprint Internship, where students tackled real transport challenges. Their insights are helping strengthen our services, support clients, and highlight the value of collaborating with emerging talent.

Nota Bene Consulting is proud to have recently taken part in the University of Sheffield’s Sprint Internship Programme, working with a group of talented students on a series of live transport-focused projects.

Over the course of just one week, students were set three key challenges aligned with real-world issues faced by the business and its clients:

Winter Pavement Clearance Case Study – Students explored the wider impacts of poor pavement conditions during the winter months, particularly the knock-on effect on public health and NHS costs. The project focused on building a strong, evidence-based case for local authorities, demonstrating the importance of proactive maintenance and improved accessibility. This included researching existing policies, analysing cost implications, and developing clear, compelling recommendations that could be used in client discussions.

Exploring Drone Usage in Transport – This project investigated how drone technology could be integrated into transport planning and operations. Students examined potential use cases such as data collection, infrastructure monitoring, and traffic analysis, while also considering the legal, safety, and regulatory frameworks required for implementation. The outcome has provided a valuable foundation for Nota Bene to explore how drones could enhance future service offerings.

Communicating Controversial Transport Schemes – Students tackled the challenge of how to effectively communicate complex and often sensitive transport proposals. The project explored behavioural science principles, public engagement strategies, and real-world examples to develop approaches that build trust and improve public understanding. The insights generated will support Nota Bene in helping clients navigate challenging conversations and deliver more effective communication strategies.

The results exceeded expectations. The students demonstrated a high level of professionalism, insight, and clarity in their presentations, delivering work that will directly support Nota Bene in strengthening its services and creating additional value for clients, particularly local authorities.

For Nota Bene, taking part in the programme was about more than just project delivery. The team is passionate about giving something back and supporting the next generation of talent entering the industry. This commitment is reflected within the business itself, where three current team members joined as graduates and have since progressed into senior roles, a testament to the value and potential that students can bring.

The internship has also highlighted the mutual benefits of collaboration. While students gain valuable real-world experience, businesses benefit from fresh perspectives, innovative thinking, and the opportunity to explore projects that might otherwise be difficult to prioritise internally. From strengthening case studies to developing new service areas, such as drone usage in transport, the contributions made by the students have added tangible value.

We would strongly encourage other organisations to get involved in similar initiatives. It is a genuine win-win: an opportunity to support emerging talent while gaining meaningful insights that can drive business growth.

For any organisations interested in taking part or learning more about the experience, the  team would be very happy to share insights and answer any questions.