Grants available for local companies in the environment sector

Todays blog comes from Rebecca Duffy at the University of Brighton. She writes about funding that is available for local companies that provide internships for graduates in the environment sector. She describes how South Downs Solar, an award-winning solar panel installation firm, is already using this scheme.

Grants are available to smaller companies in the environment sector in the Brighton, West Sussex and Croydon areas, to help them take on talented recent graduates.  The internship placements are funded by the Regional Growth fund, and form part of the services offered by the Green Growth Platform, a £3m initiative led by the University of Brighton. The Green Growth Platform will support business growth in the green sector over the next five years, and the internship opportunities are supported by the University of Brighton Careers Service.

South Downs Solar Limited was established in 2010 and has delivered high profile solar photo-voltaic installations throughout the South of the United Kingdom. In 2012 Power Diverter Limited was formed to focus on the innovation side of the business developed by South Downs Solar over the past three years. It is the first company to apply for this opportunity, recruiting Marta Wrzesinska, as Marketing, Sales and Administrative Assistant. Marta graduated from Middlesex University in 2013 with a BA (Hons) Fashion Communication and Styling, and is also studying towards Level 4 course in Marketing and Communications at Stonebridge.

She started at Power Diverter Limited in February.  Marta says:  “Right from the start I've felt at home as part of the team; even during the interview I felt comfortable and included. I'm learning a lot from the company, about how to apply my knowledge and skills, which has helped me to grow as a person and become more confident in my abilities. It feels great to be able to apply myself to something and see the efforts turning into something real.”

Michael Yeoman, Commercial Director of South Downs Solar says: “We were introduced to Marta through the University of Brighton Green Growth Platform and were interested in her degree qualifications as well as skills and work experience around marketing and sales. In her first week Marta has had a positive impact on the Power Diverter business. We look forward to offering Marta a full time role at the end of her internship.”  

Are you a company in the environment sector looking to take on a graduate? Or maybe you are a recent graduate keen to work in this exciting sector? Contact: paidinternships@brighton.ac.uk  or visit: www.brighton.ac.uk/greeninternships to register your interest and find out more about the grants available.
For more information about the Green Growth Platform, visit http://www.brighton.ac.uk/business/growth-and-funding/green-growth-platform.php?PageId=120

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