News

Businesses and organisations in the Tay Cities Region can access up to £3,000 in funding to host a technology focused student work placement.

Since the COVID19 pandemic, and with the rapid rise of AI, students have found it increasingly difficult to secure meaningful, real world experience. At the same time, businesses across the region are reporting challenges in recruiting local talent with the right digital skills.

To help address this, DigiTay is piloting a new work experience programme in partnership with the local colleges and universities:
• Abertay University
• University of Dundee
• University of St Andrews
• Dundee & Angus College
• Fife College
• Perth UHI

Businesses based in Angus, Dundee, North East Fife, or Perth & Kinross can apply for up to £3,000 to support the salary costs of a new 6–8 week student placement (16–36 hours per week). Funding is paid in arrears.

This programme aims to:
• Strengthen students’ employability and career prospects
• Help employers complete a project or piece of work and build a sustainable talent pipeline for future recruitment
• Strengthen the relationships between local organisations and the colleges and universities
• Provide employers with access to fresh thinking and digital skills

Students must be:
• HNC/HND college students or
• 1st or 2nd year university students
• Studying a digital or technology related subject such as:

• Computing / Computer Science
• Software Development / Engineering
• Web & Mobile Development
• Data Science / AI
• Cybersecurity / Ethical Hacking
• Networking / Cloud Computing
• Digital Forensics
• Games Development / Animation
• UX/UI Design
• Information Systems / Digital Business

Businesses must:
• Be based in the Tay Cities Region
• Offer a placement that supports the development of the student’s technical skills
• Provide a supervisor or mentor
• Hold relevant insurances (Employers Liability and Public Liability Insurance)
• Use the funding solely for placement salary costs

Placement model:
• 6–8 week paid placement
• Typically 16–36 hours per week
• Available all year round (with higher availability June–September)
• Support will be provided to both employers and students before placements begin

The placement will be advertised to students through DigiTay and the university and college student networks. Students will apply directly to the employer who will manage the full recruitment and interview process. Once a successful candidate has been appointed, the employer will notify DigiTay and we will reimburse salary costs in arrears, following receipt of evidence confirming payment to the student.

If you’d like to host a student and apply for funding, please complete the short survey and form online.

This is a fantastic opportunity to support local talent, strengthen your workforce, and play a key role in developing the region’s digital capability.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, get in touch with Digitay on digitay@fife.gov.uk.