Space Placements in Industry: FAQs for Host Organisations
- A bright, enthusiastic self-starter placed with you and your team for eight (or more) weeks
- An injection of fresh ideas and enthusiasm, together with up-to-date academic knowledge
- An opportunity to have a defined project or piece of work carried out, that you may not otherwise have resource for.
- A chance to informally ‘interview’ a potential employee that could save your organisation significant recruitment costs
Placements offered through SPIN are unique. We seek host organisations who can provide a paid work placement with valuable ‘real world’ work and learning opportunities, and a chance to contribute to a defined, space related project. Competitive grants, funded by the UK Space Agency, are available to support the employment of the SPINtern and can be applied for below.
During the placement, SPIN will provide support enabling both host and intern to get the most from the experience. Your part in the scheme is to support and mentor the SPINtern during their placement providing them with the commercial context for the application of their skills. We know from previous experience that SPINterns have contributed in very tangible ways to the businesses they have worked in, creating marketable products, delivering training to clients, frequently staying on beyond their placement to work on commercial projects, or being offered permanent positions.
We will need you to set out beforehand the kind of placement you are offering, the anticipated outcomes in terms of deliverables and learning objectives, what kind of individual you are hoping to take on and the level of payment you can offer to the SPINtern. Indications of the range and type of projects that have been supported are given in SPIN projects, but obviously, every project is unique. We know that the more thought that goes into scoping the project at the outset, the easier it is for hosts to support their SPINterns throughout the project and for SPINterns to hit the ground running. Of course, we can offer advice and guidance on designing suitable projects where required.
Interested?
If you may be interested in hosting a SPINtern, please visit our Award Scheme 2024 page >>
We welcome initial, informal enquiries – making an enquiry does not commit you in any way.
Timeline
Each placement will be publicised through this website for approximately 4 weeks from the date your opportunity is uploaded to the Applied applicant tracking system platform. You and your nominated Job Admin will be in complete control of evaluating your candidates, interviews and selection through the platform. Training is available for all and can be found here. All evaluations etc should be completed within 4 weeks of the closing date. The employment relationship is between the host organisation and the SPINtern. Through the system we will be able to see when you have made an offer and whether it has been accepted.
SPIN Induction Event
Our Induction Events will be held in June 2024. They are open to SPINterns Host/employer organisations and University tutors. The events give an exciting overview of all the activities and opportunities in the UK Space Sector. They are also an opportunity to connect with fellow SPINterns and learn about other organisations in the sector.
Attendance is considered a key part of the SPIN experience and students are expected to attend.
Edinburgh
4 June: 9.30am – 4pm at the Bayes Centre, Edinburgh (Room G.03)
Refreshments, breakfast pastries & lunch provided.
Harwell
24 June: 9.30am-4pm at Catapult Electron Building, Harwell (Jupiter & Saturn)
Refreshments, breakfast pastries & lunch provided.
Please discuss travel expenses with your SPINtern, travel expenses have been included as part of the grant – for use for the Induction and/or the Showcase Event.
SPIN Poster and Showcase Event
It is a requirement of the programme that every SPINtern produces a poster (details will be confirmed nearer the time) of the project during their placement. The Employer should ensure this is completed during their time in their organisation. The poster will be displayed at the Showcase Event which is usually held in the Autumn (details to be confirmed nearer the time). During the Showcase event SPINterns are also required to give a 2 minute pitch about their project (poster). This is a fantastic opportunity to really demonstrate what the SPINtern has achieved during their placement and practice the skills they’ve learnt which will be very valuable to future employers.
How does the process work?
- Grant funding may be available from the UK Space Agency to support your SPIN placement.
- Employers identify and scope a project advert ensuring that it follows best practice guidelines to attract a good selection of candidates
- The opportunity will be advertised on these pages for 4 weeks, inviting those eligible to apply through the links to the Applied platform
- All Employers will have access through the Applied Platform to applications as they are received. Training for the platform can be found here.
- Supervisor selects potential candidate(s) using their usual criteria, and agrees terms directly with the SPINtern. The SPIN office will be able to monitor progress through the Applied system, and employers will be able to ensure that successful and unsuccessful candidates are informed in a timely manner.
- Projects should run for at least 8 weeks at a mutually agreed time. We strongly encourage the host to attend one of the Induction Days with their SPINtern, on 4 June in Edinburgh, Scotland or 24 June at Harwell Campus, England.
- You should ensure that the poster and presentation that the SPINtern prepares and produces with your support for the Showcase Event in Autumn 2024, is compliant with your own objectives.
How long should placements be?
At least 8 weeks, but any length that suits the host organisation is acceptable as long as it works for both parties. NB: we have found that some candidates completed their projects more rapidly than was anticipated, so it pays to have a supplementary role “in the back pocket”.
What is a “Project”?
Projects can vary from organisation to organisation. It may be a piece of research or a small project that would otherwise not be done. It may be working as part of a team, or something more independent. The more time spent scoping the project at the beginning, the easier it is for the SPINtern to hit the ground running, and less support the host will need to provide throughout the project.
When should the project be carried out?
The Induction Days are on the 4 and 24 June 2024 and so it is often easy to start on either of these dates as long as it works for both of you. In some circumstances, projects may be made available at different times of the year, please discuss with us if this is the case: SPIN@sa.catapult.org.uk
Will the SPINterns be paid?
Yes, these are paid placements and the intern should be paid a minimum of the National Living Wage (2024= £11.44 per hour, equating for a 37.5hr week to £3,432 for 8 weeks). This should enable the SPINtern to travel to their place of work, and potentially live away from home or university.
Is there any funding available to support companies?
Funding is available through a competitive grant process, please see here for more details.
Intellectual Property
All parties agree to abide by the intellectual property rights, security clearances, and any required documentation as set out by the host of the placement.
Health and Safety
The host will ensure that they meet all legislative and insurance requirements for hosting the student, including adequate supervision and training.
Review
All host employers are asked to provide the successful candidate with an informal review at the end of their placement, with advice on how they could improve their CV, and a reference for their CV if requested.
