Latest news: NCWE awards open for entries

Companies offering graduate and international internships are now eligible to enter the National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) Awards as they open for the ninth year. 15/09/2011

Traditionally focused on undergraduate work experience, the awards have been widened for 2012 to recognise the growing number of internships available to graduates.

In addition, they are no longer limited to UK schemes. For the first time, companies offering international internships to students studying in the UK will be able to enter. 

There are now 12 categories that companies of all sizes and from all sectors can enter, including nine awards for undergraduate work experience placements with a new category for the law sector. There have been three new awards introduced for graduate schemes.

Students, businesses and careers advisers have until Friday 9 December 2011 to complete the online entry form.

‘Work experience has become more prominent in recent years and is now a vital component to a graduate’s employability, so it’s apt that we now recognise those businesses offering internships to graduates,’ said Mike Hill, chief executive of the Higher Education Careers Services Unit that runs the NCWE Awards.

Entry to the awards has been simplified for 2012 with just four questions, covering why the scheme is outstanding as well as its goals, objectives, support and assessment.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London in March 2012. Last year's overall winner was small business Champions Life Academy.

Find out more about work experience and internships.