Step-Up

The programme

The STEP-UP programme is now closed and can no longer accept applications from SMEs.

Step-Up is a new internship and training programme for SMEs (small-to-medium enterprises) in the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership region, where you can access talented graduates to help sustain and grow your business through fully funded graduate internships.

During the free programme you will benefit from expert-led masterclasses, and opportunities to build further relationships with the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex.  

Data has shown that graduates tend to leave the region to seek jobs in London.

Step-Up has been devised to support business resilience and growth, through retaining graduate talent in the local area, now and into the future.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, Step-Up has been updated to be more flexible and time-efficient for your business.

step-up briefing webinar

Check online for upcoming webinars.

Join members of the Step-Up team for this brief presentation plus Q&A session about our new exciting free graduate intern and training programme, and how to get involved.

Our offer to you

Joining the Step-Up programme will give you a fully funded graduate intern (internships to conclude by end of November 2021). Plus access to specialist masterclasses hosted by subject and industry experts – all at no cost to you.

By taking part, you and staff from your organisation will benefit from attending up to three free online masterclasses in September and October of 2021. Additionally, there will be two recorded masterclasses we will send you to watch in your own time.

Masterclasses will cover key areas around recruiting, retaining, and upskilling staff:

  • Working with your local universities
  • Internship onboarding
  • Creating your Step-Up internship
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Introduction to Action Learning Sets

Following the masterclass series, you will create an internship proposition and take on a fully funded graduate intern for six weeks. Successful student applicants will also have received instruction and mentoring around key skills and areas of knowledge identified by SMEs as being in short supply.

Email the Step-Up team at stepup@brighton.ac.uk for more information and guidance.

shaking hands over a business deal

Step-Up FAQs for SMEs

Which organisations are eligible to participate? 

Eligible organisations are profit-making small and medium enterprises.

When does the programme start?

Our programme started in October 2020, but you can apply until mid-september 2021.

When will the internships take place?

Internships can commence anytime until mid-October 2021, and must be completed by the end of November 2021.

How much does the programme cost?

The programme is funded by the universities of Brighton and Sussex, and the European Social Fund. There is no cost for organisations to attend the workshops or host an intern.

Benefits to your business

  • Fully funded six-week graduate intern
  • Early access to highly-skilled graduates
  • Work-ready graduates with specifically developed skills-sets to match those desired by SMEs
  • Wider pool of talent to choose from due to collaboration
  • Opportunity to tackle real-time business recruitment challenges with input from similar minded organisations

How is COVID-19 affecting delivery of the programme?

All workshops will take place online. Due to UK government and university guidelines around COVID-19 restrictions, we have adapted the delivery and content of the programme to ensure it will be effectively delivered online, and offer a productive and stimulating experience for all participants. 

Step-Up is underpinned by the cross-cutting themes of sustainability, and equality and diversity

Our project is committed to minimising its environmental impact, and to sustainability in its wider sense, to help individuals and communities achieve their potential in ways that protect their futures and encourages economic growth. Read our Sustainability Plan (pdf).

Our project is committed to celebrating and valuing diversity, promoting equality of opportunity, and challenging to eliminate unlawful discrimination. Read our Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Plan (pdf).

SMEs Transformation Engagement Programme – Universities Partnership

Step-Up is a new training programme that will allow you to identify the skills you need, and access local graduates, to help you grow your business through fully funded six-week internships.

The Step-Up programme is co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England. Grant Reference: 04S18P02524.