DRIVEN
programme

The DRIVEN programme provides funding and support to eligible small and medium-sized businesses, to help recruit graduates and students. Find out if your business could benefit.

European Social Fund and Department for Work and Pensions logos

The GRADS for D2N2 project is part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and is part of the ESF High Level Skills programme. ESF supports activities to extend employment opportunities and develop a skilled workforce. The GRADS for D2N2 project is delivered by the University of Derby as part of the High Level Skills consortium which also includes Nottingham Trent University, Derby College, Nottingham College, and Nottingham City Council.

The Driven programme is to support SMEs to access and retain our student and graduate talent. It's been running since 2018 and has been extended until the end of 2023.

230+organisations supported**Since 2018
300+internships provided**Since 2018
£160kawarded for graduate recruitment**Since 2018

Develop your talent pipeline

Our students and graduates have high-level skills, fresh thinking, and huge potential. By offering them work opportunities, you can bring new skills into your business, help them develop, and build your talent pipeline.

In particular, Derby students and graduates will:

What's on offer?

Part-funding for graduate roles — 400 hours

Employ a graduate for at least 400 hours over three months and we will pay £1000 towards the cost. It can be a one-off temporary role or the subsidy can be put towards a full-time, permanent graduate role. You can use this offer multiple times and are welcome to apply for the fully-funded 80 hour internships too.

We also offer a full recruitment service for free, which includes advertising the role, reviewing applications and shortlisting, as well as supporting with interviews, if required.

We will pay your company the subsidy once the 400 hours have been completed.

Is my business eligible? Enquire now More about internships

Two young professionals talking in foreground; colleagues in the background

Fully-funded internships — 80 hours

Under this scheme, your business could receive 80 hours' work experience from a student or graduate of the University, at no cost to you. Again, we provide free recruitment support including advertising the role, reviewing applications and shortlisting, as well as supporting with interviews, if required.

You can use this offer once but you are welcome to apply for the part-funded 400-hour internships too.

Enquire now More about internships

Is your business eligible?

To qualify for the Driven programme, your organisation must:

Find out more

To find out more about the Driven programme and see if it could benefit your business, contact our Employer Engagement team today:

T: +44 (0) 1332 592939
E: driven@derby.ac.uk