Liverpool Interns 2025-26 programme

Liverpool Interns 2025-26 programme
Liverpool Interns is a standout initiative from the University of Liverpool that is designed to drive innovation and growth across the Liverpool City Region.
Through the programme, we connect local businesses with talented students to foster project-based knowledge exchange. Our goal is to co-develop projects that meet the unique needs of businesses, whilst also enabling companies to see first-hand how much value a student can bring to the workplace.

Benefits to the Organisation:

Fully funded 80-hour projects, paid via a £1000 reimbursement
Fresh insights and innovative ideas
Build a talent pipeline
Support throughout from the Employer Connections Team
Benefits to the Students:
Enhanced employability skills
Real-world experience of organisational cultures and workplace environments
An understanding of professional behaviours

Ultimately, Liverpool Interns is the crucial starting point in increasing graduate retention for the benefit of our region and aims to foster long-term mutually beneficial relationships between higher education and industry in the region.

UOL are hosting a launch event on 4th December for local SMEs to learn more about the benefits of the programme, SMEs can register here:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/livuni-link-liverpool-interns-2026-launch-event-tickets-1973149943597?aff=oddtdtcreato
Companies must meet the following criteria:
  • Be an LCR based SME (less than 250 employees)
  • Have a physical working space in the LCR
  • Have a company payroll in order to pay the students directly (UOL then reimburse the employer)
  • Have a role suitable for a University of Liverpool student
  • Internships must be completed by August 2026
Hints & Tips

Working Hours & Location:
Internships can be completed:
Part-time around course commitments (no more than 10 hours per week)
OR
Full-time during vacation periods (Easter/Summer)
An important part of Liverpool Interns is the opportunity for students to experience a workplace. Therefore the internship must have an element of in-person delivery and you should provide hands-on support throughout.

Knowledge Exchange & Skills:
Internships should provide meaningful opportunities that reflect and utilise  the degree-level expertise and transferrable skills being developed through academic studies.

Internships should foster mutual knowledge exchange between students and host organisations. Whilst your project may be relevant to a specific degree course, we will
promote to all students and you should base shortlisting decisions on transferrable skills and qualities, rather than degree course.

Payment & Liability:
You will be required to pay the student £12.50 per hour as the project progresses, through your standard payroll system e.g. weekly/monthly. Once the 20-hour check-in is complete, we will begin the payment process for you to receive the £1000 bursary. You may need to be set up on the University’s procurement system as a supplier in order to supply us with an invoice. We will advise if this is the case. Do not put VAT on your invoice. The student appointed will be required to be covered by the your public & employer’s liability insurance for the duration of the internship.

Advice & Expertise:

UOL can support with the creation of your job description to ensure that it is clear, engaging and appealing to students. They will carry out initial sifting of applications, before providing you with the CVs of the most suitable candidates. They can advise you on the best way to support the interns during the delivery of the project.

Interested?

Get in touch: employerconnections@liverpool.ac.uk