A HIP internship is a period of work experience, offered by a small-medium sized business (SME), lasting for 12 weeks. They are undertaken by students and graduates looking to gain relevant skills.

Employers use internships in various ways; to assess a student or graduate’s capability before offering permanent employment, to help them deliver project work or for extra resource to tackle heavy workloads.

HIP can support small or medium size enterprises (SMEs) who are based, or are planning to locate in the Humber, Hull,  East Riding, North or North East Lincolnshire

All internships require a total of 480 hours work and are paid at a minimum of the National Living Wage. The 480 hours can be completed in two ways:

• Over a period of 12 weeks (based on full-time hours of work); or 
• On a part-time basis in term-time to fit with studies.

Internships are often extended by the SME, and there is potential to move from part-time to full-time at the end of an internship experience, but only on request of the employer (SME). 

We know that it can be challenging for small businesses to find specialist skills; the recruitment process takes time and the salary expectations can be high. And there sometimes just aren’t enough people around with the skills you need. We get it.

HIP works with hundreds of University educated students and graduates with a vast range of specialist skills to help you access the skills your business needs.

Here are just some of the roles we can help you to fill: Software and web developers, engineers, scientists, HR, project managers, data analysts, marketing and media, accounting and finance or sustainability specialists.

Yes, a HIP intern has to live in the Humber (Hull, East Riding, North or North East Lincolnshire). They won’t have to live near your business to apply for your vacancy but they will have to consider how easy it would be to get to work every day.

Interns are, after all, new to the world of work and will need help and support to develop their skills.

They will add value to your workforce; they can learn to complete tasks the way your business expects and can quickly become productive.

The team at HIP will also provide support to you and your intern throughout the process.

You do.  A HIP intern will be a member of your team and will need to be treated like everyone else in your business.  They will be on your payroll and paid as you agree with them.

Yes, you can. By offering your intern a higher wage you will have a better chance of attracting stronger talent.

Yes, if you have a vacancy and your intern is a great fit in your business then the position can become permanent.

We need to make sure this doesn’t affect any continuing students as its really important HIP doesn’t take interns away from their studies, but if your intern is a graduate (or soon to be) a permanent opportunity would be a great outcome for everyone!

Either way, you’ll have chance to snap up fresh talent before anyone else.