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TechNZ Internships
Capability - TechNZ undergraduate student internships 2010/2011

This year, due to unprecedented demand, we have received more than 450 applications for the TechNZ undergraduate internship scheme. Because of this, TechNZ will fund an extra 10 internships, taking the total support to 195 placements for the 2010/11 summer.

It is positive to see so many New Zealand businesses keen to employ students and give them valuable insight into a commercial R&D environment.

If you need assistance with finding a student either for a TechNZ funded or privately funded project, refer to the list of tertiary provider contacts who have volunteered their details and will be happy to help find a student to fit your criteria.

TechNZ internships encourage innovative companies to employ senior science, technology or engineering undergraduate students for a research and development project.

Funding is provided to larger companies that run internship programmes as well as smaller companies that are developing their first innovative product.

We have 185 placements available for the 2010/11 summer (November to February).

Internship funding provides baseline funding of $16 per hour + GST for up to 400 hours of work upon proof of the company's payment to the intern. This funding is paid directly to the company employing the student.

Funding criteria

A R&D project must be defined for the student.  General work experience is not acceptable.

The project does not have to be novel R&D. It can be project, process or efficiency focused.

There must be a clear benefit for the company and the student. You do not need to identify a student for a project prior to registering your interest.

The student must be NZQA Level 7 or above and have appropriate qualifications for the project.  They should as a minimum be about to enter their third year of an undergraduate degree.

Business eligibility

TechNZ capability funding is available to businesses at all stages of growth. 

A business must be a person or entity that is in business and resident in New Zealand.

Businesses may not be an entity established under the Education Act 1989, Crown Research Institutes Act 1992, Local Government Act 2002 or the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000; or an entity that is 50% or more owned by one or more of those types of entities.

Timeline for 2010/11

  • Registrations of interest are open.
  • Companies to email completed registrations to technzinternship@frst.govt.nz by Friday 17 September 2010.
  • Companies notified of decision by Monday 4 October. Successful companies can then recruit a student.
  • Companies have until Friday 26 November to find an undergraduate student and submit a project plan.

Next steps

If you’re interested in applying, download and complete the registration form and send it to technzinternship@frst.govt.nz.

For more information

Email any questions to technzinternship@frst.govt.nz or contact your TechNZ Investment Manager, Auckland (09 912 6730), Wellington (04 917 7800) or Christchurch (03 963 2070) or your regional business partner on 0800 TechNZ (832 469).