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Industrial Placements

 

Hosting Cambridge University engineering student

We have an industrial experience requirement within the degree and we believe that internships play a key role in the development of undergraduate engineers. Generally, students undertake their internships in the summer months, usually for periods varying from 6 - 12 weeks, with the internships taking place in a cross section of companies in ocountries across the world, with the majority taking place with small and medium sized organisations. 

 

The internship could be to work on a specific project, as a junior member of a team or you may have a short term need for some additional work resource for a few months. If you have an opportunity which might enable them to gain valuable experience in an area of interest, we would encourage you to contact us.

 

Cambridge University engineering course

The first two years of the 4 year programme provides students with an unrivalled breadth of knowledge across the field of engineering and all  students are introduced to the fundamentals of electrical, electronic, mechanical, civil, structural and software engineering. In the third and fourth years they can concentrate on an area of specialisation in particular fields of engineering such as life sciences, sustainability and manufacturing. The 4th year is where they complete their Masters in Engineering.  

In addition to lectures and laboratories, in the first and second year all students learn to:

  • Use electronic measurement equipment and build and program a micropocessor
  • Utilise the basics of Python and MatLab
  • Undertake presentations
  • Use CAD equipment and draw by hand
  • Build and test a load bearing structure
  • In a team of six, build and test an autonomously guided vehicle from a box of components

The course content here at Cambridge: http://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/engineering

 

Internship requirements

We have a degree requirement for the students to undertake a period of work as part of their course, but they are not obliged to apply and we do not place them, it is down to the student the apply and go through the recruitment process you set.  Your student might be undertaking an internship to meet the requirements of the degree, the only extra commitment from you will be to ensure they produce a report towards the end of their time with you, which must be verified and signed by a representative of your organisation.  Internship requirements

The term dates are available on the University Term dates page , which may be helpful when deciding your application deadline and arranging interviews. 

 

Recruitment process and selection

We find that there are essentially two key time periods for recruiting summer interns: October - December (with a view to interviewing over the Christmas break) or January - April (with a view to interviewing over the Easter break) but these are just guidelines, as we will advertise vacancies for as long as the students are looking. May and June are tricky as this is the exam season.  The 1st and 2nd year students are the most active when it comes to applying for roles while the 3rd  year students are in demand and are often harder to attract.    Recruitment process and selection

 

 

Remuneration

Remuneration varies by experience, location and the type of work the student will be performing. As a very broad guideline, employers tend to offer between £350 - £600 a week, depending on what year of studies they have completed and their previous experience.

 

Health and safety and insurance

The University takes health and safety seriously therefore we take certain measures to ensure that we exercise our duty of care when students are on their internship.
All students undertaking an internship to meet the course requirements will be issued with a report template which contains information on Health and Safety, a checklist and a letter for any prospective employer outlining our responsibilities.
The Department of Engineering employs a full time Health and Safety Officer who can advise on any matters relating to Health and safety. Should you need any specific help or advice, email safety-office@eng.cam.ac.uk 
 
Student Visa and work permit regulations for undergraduate vacation work
As an undergraduate registered on a UK course who are expected to return to their studies following the internship, they have the right to work in the UK.​ Visit the University International Students office for advice on working on a student visa.  

 
Insurance
As the employer, it is your duty of care to look after the student(s) while he/she/they are working with you (paid or unpaid). There are no special insurances required to host a student but it is expected that the company will be registered with the FSA and have Employer Liability and Public Liability (as is standard practice for UK businesses) or the equivalent if in another country.  Further information

This is also a good place for information

 

Internship advice

A CIPD guide for employers offering internships.

 

The Department of Engineering have an Industrial Placements Team dedicated to assisting the current undergraduate students in securing summer internships as well as working closely with employers to promote vacancies and encourage applications for their internship opportunities.

Whether you are a large or small company, if you think you have some useful work or a project that could be completed by an engineering student, or you need any more information or wish to discuss any aspect of the internship process, please do not hesitate to contact us by email.  

A CIPD guide for employers for Internship advice is available.

 

Cambridge University engineering course

We have an established number of extra-curricular student engineering project teams in the Department of Engineering based on activities which are linked to their studies. See the student-led projects webpage for further information. If your organisation would like to become an active participant, click here for information on how to do it.

 

 

 

 

Victoria Houghton, Industrial Placements Coordinator