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Department of International Trade (DIT) Working with Universities
Published on 13 July 2018
United Kingdom
West Midlands
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Under the ERDF investment priority 2 of priority axis 3: 3d - Supporting the capacity of SMEs to grow in regional, national and international markets and to engage in innovation processes, Working with universities provides support for internationalisation to SMEs delivered by graduate placement..
SMEs that would have attended an event or get in touch with DIT for any support:
1)Go through a triage where International Trade Adviser (ITA) can assess the internationalisation experience
2) SME would be either directed to basics workshops to learn understand more or sent to an ITA for a one to one
3)SME get a full diagnostic with an ITA based at their local chamber of commerce and an action plan is agreed
4)The team from the chamber of commerce would account manage the contracts and support the tender process to recruit the suppliers required. An external supplier would be selected to deliver the support needed.
5) The scheme allows companies to hire students to work on particular projects from researching new markets to developing international contacts. Placements, free for the SME, last from 4 weeks to 6 months. The selected student would be familiar with the country targeted by the companies. They would be able to communicate effectively with the right language skills and understand their ways of doing business.
The DIT team would help the SMEs write a job specification, and link to the university to interview and recruit the right candidate.
SMEs that would have attended an event or get in touch with DIT for any support:
1)Go through a triage where International Trade Adviser (ITA) can assess the internationalisation experience
2) SME would be either directed to basics workshops to learn understand more or sent to an ITA for a one to one
3)SME get a full diagnostic with an ITA based at their local chamber of commerce and an action plan is agreed
4)The team from the chamber of commerce would account manage the contracts and support the tender process to recruit the suppliers required. An external supplier would be selected to deliver the support needed.
5) The scheme allows companies to hire students to work on particular projects from researching new markets to developing international contacts. Placements, free for the SME, last from 4 weeks to 6 months. The selected student would be familiar with the country targeted by the companies. They would be able to communicate effectively with the right language skills and understand their ways of doing business.
The DIT team would help the SMEs write a job specification, and link to the university to interview and recruit the right candidate.
Resources needed
The resources required are for the personnel to administrate this programme while the student would be at no cost to the company.
Cost of staff to run the scheme (university staff to support the recruitment and the DIT team who recruit the company)
Cost of staff to run the scheme (university staff to support the recruitment and the DIT team who recruit the company)
Evidence of success
The wealth of internationally reputable universities in the area makes the West Midlands the perfect location for such a programme, with large numbers of postgraduates with expertise in a range of languages, business and cultural knowledge.
5 placements have been successfully deployed in the 5 past years.
The student gains a work experience while the SME will acquire specific skills free of charge and the university would be able to provide students with placements.
5 placements have been successfully deployed in the 5 past years.
The student gains a work experience while the SME will acquire specific skills free of charge and the university would be able to provide students with placements.
Potential for learning or transfer
The model can be replicated though specific attention needs to be given to whether the region has access to students and companies looking for additional help/research in this area.
The support from the ITAs to understand the SMEs need and the support of the University to help recruit and select the right candidate.
The support from the ITAs to understand the SMEs need and the support of the University to help recruit and select the right candidate.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
UK Department for International Trade ( DIT) delivered by West Midlands Chamber of Commerce Limited Liability Partnership (WMCCLLP)
United Kingdom
West Midlands
Contact
Businessdeliverymanager