Employer Placement and Internship Partnership Programme

The Employer Placement and Internship Partnership Programme (EPIP) recognises and celebrates employers who support University of Stirling students through high-quality placements, internships, and project-based learning opportunities.

Through EPIP, employers become part of a structured partnership framework that highlights their commitment to student development, ethical workplace practice, and early talent pipelines. Participating organisations are awarded a University of Stirling digital partnership badge (Bronze, Silver, or Gold), which can be displayed on organisational websites, email signatures, LinkedIn profiles, and recruitment materials.

Why Employer Placement and Internship Partnership Programme (EPIP)?

Placements and internships play a critical role in preparing students for the world of work. EPIP provides a clear, transparent framework that:

recognises the quality and depth of employer engagement;
assures students of safe, meaningful, and well-supported opportunities;
showcases employers as trusted partners in graduate employability;
supports long-term collaboration between industry and the University.

Partnership levels

EPIP offers three progressive partnership tiers, allowing employers to participate in ways that align with their capacity and strategic priorities.

Bronze - Placement and Internship Provider

Foundation-level recognition for employers providing safe, structured placement or internship opportunities.

Bronze partners:

host at least one University of Stirling student placement or internship per academic year;
provide a named workplace mentor;
deliver a structured induction and clear learning objectives;
meet University Work Based Learning (WBL) quality and compliance standards.

Bronze partners demonstrate:

professionalism and duty of care;
student-centred supervision and support;
commitment to ethical and compliant learning environments.

Optional light-touch engagement activities allow Bronze partners to contribute testimonials, career tips, or short reflective content.

Silver – Engagement Partner

Recognition for sustained engagement and enhanced developmental contribution.

Silver partners meet all Bronze requirements and additionally:

demonstrate recurring engagement over time or host multiple students annually;
contribute meaningful insight or learning enrichment beyond placement delivery.

Examples of Silver activity include:

guest speaking or participation in employability events;
providing practical employability resources or project materials;
contributing to employer insight blogs or student-facing content.

Silver partners demonstrate:

leadership in early talent development;
collaboration with the University learning community;
sustained investment in student success and professional confidence.

Gold – Strategic Talent Champion

Our highest level of partnership, recognising employers who act as long-term, strategic collaborators in developing graduate talent.

Gold partners:

demonstrate multi-year partnership commitment or host multiple students annually;
meet all Bronze standards;
contribute high-impact, strategic activity that shapes employability practice.

Gold-level engagement may also include:

paid internships, placements, or graduate pipelines;
co-created student–employer outputs such as case studies or industry resources;
participation in advisory boards, curriculum input, or strategic events;
senior-level engagement and advocacy for student development.

Gold partners demonstrate:

sector leadership in early career development;
inclusive, ethical talent practices;
long-term commitment to student transition into meaningful employment.

Digital employer partnership badges

All EPIP partners receive a verified digital badge aligned to their partnership level. Badges can be used to:

signal commitment to student development;
enhance employer brand and recruitment messaging;
demonstrate alignment with University of Stirling quality standards.

Badges are reviewed annually and may be renewed, upgraded, or reclassified based on ongoing engagement and feedback.

Benefits for employers

By joining the Employers Placement and Internship Partnership programme, employers benefit from:

access to motivated, skilled student talent;
enhanced employer brand visibility with students and graduates;
recognition from the University of Stirling as a trusted partner;
opportunities to shape future workforce skills;
structured, supported placement and internship processes;
alignment with best practice in Work Based Learning.

Benefits for students

The Employer Placement and Internship Partnership assures students that partner employers provide:

safe, supportive, and well-structured opportunities;
clear learning objectives and meaningful work;
access to mentoring, feedback, and professional networks;
high-quality experiences that support employability and confidence.

Interested in becoming a partner?

We welcome employers of all sizes and sectors who are committed to supporting student development through placements, internships, or project-based learning.

Together, we can develop confident, capable graduates and build long-term talent partnerships that benefit students, employers, and the wider community.