The following schemes for employing a graduate or student on a temporary basis attract funding and may be just what your business needs to solve a problem or exploit an opportunity.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships enable a company to work with a university that has expertise relevant to the company. A high-calibre graduate is employed by the university to work in the company itself whilst being supported by an expert. The KTP is an alternative to short-term consultancy. KTPs replaced the Teaching Company Scheme in 2003.

The overall aim of the project has to focus on helping the company make a significant change in an area that has been identified as a high priority for the company's business. For example this could be the high calibre graduate working on the development of a new product or researching new opportunities in international markets.

Each KTP is part-funded by a Government grant to the HEI (Knowledge Base Partner) while the balance of costs is borne by the company partner. The annual contribution for the company partner (per KTP associate employed) is around £17,000 for a company with fewer than 250 employees, and £25,500 for a company with over 250 employees. The scheme is available to business of all sizes and within most industry and commercial sectors. See the KTP website for details.

Knowledge Catalyst (KTP)
The Arts & Humanities Research Council (ARHC) is sponsoring Knowledge Transfer Partnerships in the Arts and Humanities. Knowledge Catalyst applicants can be commercial, not for profit, charities or publicly funded.

The ARHC has issued these guideline areas for Knowledge Catalyst:

• Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology
• Visual Arts and Media: practice, history and theory
• English Language and Literature
• Medieval and Modern History
• Modern Languages and Linguistics
• Librarianship, Information and Museum Studies
• Music and Performing Arts
• Philosophy, Law and Religious Studies

Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (STEP)
Small and medium sized businesses can also tap into student talent through the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme, where a committed undergraduate will work on a short summer placement to tackle specific business or technology related projects, such as researching new products and markets, improving procedures, processes and communications, or building websites and IT facilities. For more information, see the STEP website.

Industrial Co-operative Awards in Science and Engineering (CASE) Studentships
Research funding for your business.
Industrial CASE are three and a half year postgraduate awards that can be allocated to a company. This enables companies to take the lead in defining, and arranging projects with an academic partner of their choice.

Industrial CASE awards can provide an economic way of solving your research, design or manufacturing problems. In addition, EPSRC is prepared to waive any claims it may have to an interest in the research results obtained, provided that satisfactory terms can be reached between the company, university and EPSRC. Download further information here.

Social Science Workplace Experience Programme
This programme is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). and managed and delivered by Step Enterprise, in partnership with regional delivery agencies. It is a specialised work placement programme for undergraduates and postgraduates. Placements typically include: market research, feasibility study, competitor anaysis, marketing campaign,innovation and more. The aim of the scheme is to engage social science students into workplacements in SMEs, helping SMEs to improve and develop capacity and skills.

For further information click here http://www.stepenterprise.co.uk/Home/Programmes/EnterprisingSocialScience

Leadership scheme (SCOPE) for Graduates with disabilities 

If you would be interested in becoming a partner on any of these programmes please use our Ask i10 service.