Skip to main content
Careers, Employability and Enterprise
The bustling Careers and Enterprise Centre entrance in the Palatine Centre

Work Experience
Programmes and Funding Opportunities

Careers & Enterprise run a range of specialist work experience programmes aimed at supporting students and  graduates in accessing opportunities and starting their career journeys.

Current Funding - NE Talent Bridge Internship Programme

NE Talent Bridge Internship Programme

Enhance your workforce this summer! Access funding to hire a talented Durham University student or graduate for a 7-week summer internship. Eligible organisations receive 50% salary match funding, gaining fresh insights and high-level skills. Internships are flexible—remote, hybrid, or in-person. Spaces are limited — businesses must apply by 2 March 2025. Full details in the guidance document below.
Application Form
NE talent girl with bridge background

NE Talent Bridge Guidance document

 

We understand the challenges SMEs face in offering work experience, including difficulties in recruiting and in funding short-term developmental roles. While programmes vary on an annual basis, we work towards securing resources that allow us to offer matched funds, ensuring SMEs can easily benefit from our student talent.  Some of the recent programmes we’ve delivered are:

Sustainability Internships
Aimed at supporting businesses to develop a project to meet one or more of the seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Social Enterprise Live Projects
Offers students the opportunity to experience project management within a social enterprise.

SME Internships
Aimed at supporting SMEs in the North East to recruit student and graduate interns into roles which support their business development activity.

Infinity
An innovative work experience programme for autistic students, culminating in a 4 or 8 week work experience opportunity.

Enabling Opportunities
A bespoke mentoring programme which aims to provide careers support and work experience opportunities 
to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Aspire, Evolve, Achieve Internships
Internships focused on students from a widening participation background who may have barriers to graduate employment.