NCWE Award Winners 2005/6 : Intel

Photo: Anne-Marie Thorpe (Intel Corporation (UK) Ltd), Dorothy James (University of West of England) and Mike Hill (Graduate Prospects)

Intel Corporation UK is the worlds leading microchip manufacturer and takes on students as part of 4-year degree courses. Intel was nominated by the careers service at the University of West England, who have had students placed with Intel over many years.

Intel were nominated for their well structured programme which offers a good level of responsibility within interesting and challenging roles designed to encourage students in developing a range of skills. One student recently placed at Intel as a Customer Business Analyst was given the responsibility of working directly with customers, presenting at client meetings and developed a range of skills including data analysis, teamwork and negotiating skills. Intel also places emphasis on being part of a student community, providing a good support network for placement students including a committee which organises social events and activities as well as forums for students to discuss a range of topics focusing on work and study.

The judges were impressed by Intel’s relationship with UWE which has strengthened over recent years. Intel offer sessions on writing CVs and covering letters as well as delivering workshops on presentation skills for students in their second year who are applying for placements with any company. This was seen to demonstrate a willingness and commitment on Intel’s part to adding value to student development.

The careers service at UWE receives positive feedback from the students who are placed with Intel. Feedback highlights the amount of responsibility and opportunities offered at the company with one student commenting that “Intel has been a brilliant placement that I would recommend to any student wanting to gain work experience”.

Key Success Factors

• A well structured and challenging recruitment process.
• Placing value on students as equal to other employees, offering the same level of respect and responsibility.
• Considering students how students fit in socially.
• Intel has a committee that organises social events and activities for its placement students.

"Students are given challenging work, are well supported and encouraged to maximise the development opportunity”  Dorothy James, Careers Advisor, The University of the West of England.