STEM Internship Scheme 2021

What Is the STEM Internship Scheme 2021?

The STEM Internship Scheme 2021 is a national initiative launched by the Department for Education in partnership with industry leaders, universities and research institutions. Its primary aim is to give highschool and earlyuniversity students handson experience in realworld science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) environments.

Running from September 2021 to August 2022, the scheme places 1,200 interns across 250 host organisations, ranging from biotech startups to aerospace giants. Interns work on live projects, receive mentorship from qualified professionals, and attend a series of training workshops designed to boost both technical and transferable skills.

Key Objectives

• Increase the number of young people choosing STEM pathways for further study and careers.
• Bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry practice.
• Promote diversity and inclusion by targeting underrepresented groups.
• Support companies in building a future talent pipeline.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility is intentionally broad to reach a wide audience:

• Students aged 1619 who are currently in Year 11, Year 12, or Year 13 in the UK.
• Firstyear university students enrolled in a STEM degree programme.
• Applicants must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above in maths and science subjects.
• Applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, BAME communities, and disabled students are strongly encouraged to apply.

What Interns Can Expect

Work Experience

Each placement lasts between 8 and 12 weeks, with a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week. Interns are assigned to a project team and are given responsibilities that match their skill level, such as data analysis, prototyping, software testing, or laboratory work.

Mentoring & Training

Every intern is paired with a dedicated mentor who meets weekly to discuss progress, set goals and provide career advice. In addition, the scheme runs monthly workshops covering topics like:

• Professional communication and CV writing
• Ethics in scientific research
• Emerging technologies (AI, renewable energy, nanomaterials)
• Project management basics

Financial Support

Participants receive a stipend of 500 for the duration of the placement to cover travel and living costs. In certain cases, travel expenses are reimbursed directly by the host organisation.

Application Process

The application window opened on 1 March 2021 and closed on 31 May 2021. Though the deadline has passed for the 2021 cohort, the steps below outline the process for future rounds and serve as a guide for any remaining latesubmission opportunities.

1. Create an account on the official scheme portal.
2. Fill in the personal details, academic record and a short personal statement (max 300 words) explaining your interest in STEM.
3. Upload a recent CV and a copy of your most recent school/college report.
4. Select up to three preferred industry sectors (e.g., Biotechnology, Information Technology, Renewable Energy).
5. Submit the application and wait for the automated confirmation email.
6. If shortlisted, you will be invited to a 30minute virtual interview with the host organisation.
7. Successful candidates receive an offer letter with placement details and start date.

All applications are assessed on academic merit, demonstrated interest in STEM, and the potential to benefit from the internship experience.

Success Stories From 2021

The inaugural cohort of the STEM Internship Scheme 2021 produced impressive outcomes:

• Emma Patel (16, Year 11) worked with a renewableenergy startup, contributing to the design of a lowcost solar inverter. She later secured a place at Imperial College to study Electrical Engineering.
• James OConnor (firstyear university student) completed a datascience project at a pharmaceutical firm, leading to a coauthored paper in a peerreviewed journal.
• Rashida Ahmed (Year 12) participated in a robotics competition hosted by a major engineering company; her team won the regional prize and received mentorship for a national contest.

Collectively, 78% of the 2021 interns reported that the experience influenced their decision to pursue a STEM degree, and 42% accepted a graduate job offer from their host organisation within a year of completing the scheme.

Why the Scheme Matters

The UK faces a projected shortfall of over 200,000 skilled STEM professionals by 2030. By exposing students to practical, workplacerelevant challenges early in their education, the STEM Internship Scheme 2021 helps to close this gap.

Furthermore, the schemes emphasis on diversity aligns with national targets to increase participation of women and minorities in STEM fields. In 2021, 45% of placements were awarded to candidates from underrepresented groups, surpassing the governments initial target of 35%.

Future Directions

Following the success of the 2021 rollout, the Department for Education plans to expand the scheme to 2,000 interns in 2022, with additional focus on:

• Longer placements (up to 6 months) for university students.
• Virtual internships to accommodate remotelearning environments.
• Partnerships with nonprofits and publicsector research labs.
• Enhanced postinternship support, including alumni networking events.

Stakeholders are also exploring the introduction of microcredentials that recognise specific skills gained during the internship, which could be added to an interns digital portfolio.

Get Involved

Whether you are a student eager to gain experience, a company looking to mentor the next generation, or an educator wanting to promote the programme, there are several ways to take part:

• Apply as an Intern
• Become a Host Organisation
• Register as a Teacher Advisor
• Contact the Programme Team