GRADS for D2N2 Project

The GRADS for D2N2 project provided funding and support to eligible small and medium-sized businesses between 2018 - 2023 to help them recruit students and graduates from the University of Derby.

Take a look below at the impact these internships had on businesses, students, and graduates alike.

European Social Fund and Department for Work and Pensions logos

The GRADS for D2N2 project was part-funded by the European Social Fund.

The GRADS for D2N2 project supported SMEs in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to access the student and graduate talent at the University of Derby. It was known as the DRIVEN programme to employers, students and graduates and finished in December 2023.

The GRADS for D2N2 project came to an end in December 2023.

Please take a look at the project’s successes and achievements below. 

To find out what other support and opportunities could be available to your business, please visit our Business Services webpage. The Derby Talent Programme now offers part-funded internships for businesses of any size across the UK to recruit University of Derby students and graduates.

GRADS for D2N2 Achievements and Successes

400+organisations supportedApprox. since 2018
400+internships providedApprox. since 2018
£200kawarded for graduate recruitmentApprox. since 2018

Developing talent pipelines through GRADS for D2N2

Our students and graduates have high-level skills, fresh thinking, and huge potential. By offering them work opportunities, SMEs in the D2N2 area have had the opportunity to build their talent pipeline by bringing new skills into the business, whilst helping the students and graduates to develop new skills and gain invaluable work experience in their chosen industry.

The GRADS for D2N2 project offered SMEs the opportunity to have a fully-funded 80-hour intern or a £1000 subsidy for hiring a graduate intern for 400+ hours. This allowed businesses to access the talent and skills of our University of Derby students and graduates, particularly:

 

Two young professionals talking in foreground; colleagues in the background

Case studies and stories

Throughout the project, we have spoken to our employers and interns to find out the impact of these internships and the importance they will have on the future for them both.

Explore the videos below to find out more about some of our internships.

Find out more about opportunities for your business

To find out more about opportunities for your business, whether it be Graduate Talent, Training and Development, Funding or other, please take a look on our website or contact us:

Telephone: 0800 001 5500
Email: businessgateway@derby.ac.uk