Talent Match (funded mini intenships) registration live

[seanfarmelo]

Hi all,

The Talent Match programme is now live for Employer Registrations. The scheme allows for SME’s to submit remote mini internships which are fully funded by the university. Applications need to be submitted this month. Get in touch if you’d like help with your form! This is an opportunity I have been working on promoting with Re-Organise a project at Loughborough University.

At the Worker Co-op Weekend in May we hosted a session which two Loughborough staff members attended to explain the scheme but it’s only gone live in the last month or two. The timeline is relatively tight as briefs need to be submitted this month for this round. In the WCW session we talked about having a shared cohort if multiple interns from different cohorts get the internship – using the workers.coop Moodle to do a mini introduction to co-operatives as part of the internship, this is part of raising awareness about worker co-operatives amongst university students who normally would only get internship opportunities with capitalist firms (most of them are with google, IBM etc) and the students themselves might also be seeking diversity in opportunities or more ethical workplaces and not finding them.

Below I’ve included an example of the brief I created and submitted for my co-op Birmingham Bike Foundry. Here is the call out text explaining the scheme from Loughbourgh University and the registration link:

Don’t miss out - Sign up for our Talent Match Internship Schemes 2025-26:

Our motivated and skilled students are ready to tackle your projects and fill your resourcing needs with their up-to-date knowledge and innovative ideas. By hosting an internship, you’ll gain access to driven and highly skilled students from a range of disciplines, ready to bring new perspectives to your business.

With our enhanced program support, you’ll benefit from tailored guidance on structuring internships and showcasing roles on our prominent careers’ portal, to screened applications, regular check-ins and feedback sessions to ensure a rewarding experience for both you and the intern.

This year, we’ve made it easier to host multiple interns at different levels to fit with the resourcing needs of your company. You’ll get a diverse range of skills and expertise for your projects, adding greater value to your business.

		*Schemes available:*

Early Futures Internships (year 1 & 2 students) - 50 hours

Finalist Futures Internships (Final year & graduates) - 50 hours

Master’s Futures Internships (Postgraduate students) - 100 hours

Register now by completing the Registration Form

Funding If you are an SME we have potential funding avenues exclusively for you, so you can host without the worry of covering the internship’s salary.

[seanfarmelo]

BBF’s Brief template

**
17. Job title for proposed Early Futures Internship:**
Sustainable Transport Research & Development Intern

18. How many Interns are you looking for this role:
1

19. Job description for Early Futures internship:

Our bike shop runs a successful e-cargo bike hire scheme, ‘Birmingham Gear Shift’, aimed at helping local businesses and families reduce their reliance on cars. Inspired by the success of our scheme and the research from the University of Brighton’s ‘Elevate’ project, we want to explore replicating this model in other towns, starting with Loughborough. Our interest is to form financial relationships with new schemes, providing advice and access to bike wholesalers.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the sustainable transport sector. Over 50 hours, you will create a foundational report and support a local event to promote cargo bike logistics.

Your key tasks will be:

• Research & Analysis: You will investigate the potential for e-cargo bike hire schemes in other UK towns and cities, identifying key factors for success (e.g., population density, local business types, existing cycling infrastructure).

• Report Compilation: You will synthesise your findings into a clear, concise, and professional report. This report will outline the benefits (environmental, economic, social) of cargo bike schemes and provide initial consultancy advice for communities looking to start their own project.

• Event Coordination & Promotion: You will assist in planning, promoting, and co-hosting a public meeting in Loughborough. The goal of this meeting is to present your report and gauge local interest in launching a similar e-cargo bike hire scheme for the community.

• Digital Promotion: You will create engaging social media content to promote the Loughborough meeting, aiming to attract key stakeholders like local business owners, community groups, and councillors.

This role is designed to develop your skills in independent research, data analysis, professional report writing, and event planning within a real-world context.

20. Person Specification - Essential requirements:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive individual. Essential skills include:

• Strong written communication skills with the ability to research information online and synthesise it into a clear, structured document.

• A keen interest in sustainability, active travel, environmental issues, or community development.

• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your own time effectively to meet project deadlines in a remote setting.

• A proactive and willing attitude – you will be supported but must be confident working independently on tasks.

• Interest in the Social Economy - Birmingham Bike Foundry is a workers co-operative with no managers – we all work on things together. You will be expected to be a self starter and take the project where you see fit.

21. Person Specification - Desirable requirements:

• Basic experience with or interest in social media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook) for promoting an event or cause.

• An interest in business models, particularly within the green economy or social enterprise sector.

• Good interpersonal skills, with the confidence to interact with the public and co-host a meeting.

22. Where will this internship take place:
Remote

[seanfarmelo]

As a little update the form will remain open until the 10th of October so we have a little bit more time.

BBF’s was accepted so here is some more info about the next steps:

Hope you are keeping well.

Thank you for providing a job description for Talent Match Master’s Futures Internship. We are looking forward to advertising this role with our students.

We have tentatively held part-funding for the following role for you:

	Programme		Role		Nbr of positions
	Master’s Futures		Sustainable Transport Research & Development Intern		1
undefined	----	----	----	----	----

We are still open to employers for providing these internship opportunities until early October, but in the meanwhile, I wanted to get in touch to explain next steps and timelines for the project.

ACTION: Please read, sign and return the attached Expectations document at your earliest convenience. This ensures we are able to go ahead with your internship and provide funding.

Next steps:

• 10th October 2025 - Dead line for interested employers to submit job description.

• 20th October 2025 – Roles go ‘Live’ for students to apply.

• 9th November 2025 – Applications deadline for students.

• 10th - 14th November 2025 – Applications collated and reviewed (Talent Match team)

• w/c 17th November 2025– Applications shared with Employers for shortlisting (Talent Match team)

• w/c 17th & 24th November 2025– Employer shortlist candidates and arrange / conduct interviews – please keep us informed of your shortlisted candidates and provide feedback to unsuccessful students. We strongly recommend blocking out time in your diaries to ensure you have capacity. NOTE: Term ends on 12th Dec 2025 for our students so they may not be as available/contactable. It resumes on 5th Jan 2026 when they will go into exams.

• By w/c 1st – 8th December 2025– Employer final decision made about successful candidate – please advise the successful candidate and us of your decision.

• Feb – April 2026 – Students to start their internship (must be completed by end of Easter Holidays – 12th April 2026)

If you have any immediate questions, please let us know, otherwise we will be back in touch when the roles are finalised and go live.

[Jed]

This is great Sean, nice one.