A Kent manufacturer is accelerating digital transformation with support from a university student through Made Smarter South East's Digital Internship programme.
The government-funded initiative is helping SMEs access specialist digital skills and emerging talent through funded university placements, providing a low-risk way to explore and deploy new technologies to the factory floor.
At the same time, students gain valuable hands-on experience, applying their academic know-how to real manufacturing challenges while developing the technical, commercial and professional skills employers are looking for.
Art4site, an Ashford-based fine art scanning and printing specialist, partnered with University of Kent computer science student Daniel Olusakin to improve the integration of customer-facing systems and backend databases.
The project focused on streamlining operations, reducing manual administration and improving the flow of information across the business, helping create a more efficient and scalable platform for future growth.
Michael Setek, Founder of Art4site, said: "Hosting a digital intern has helped us explore how to automate parts of our workflow and connect our systems more effectively, reducing manual data entry, minimising errors and creating a more scalable process as the business grows."
The programme is also helping students gain valuable hands-on experience within manufacturing businesses, applying academic learning to real-world projects while developing skills sought by employers.
Daniel Olusakin, who is studying Computer Science at the University of Kent, said: "Overall, the skillsets that I have gained and improved from this experience will positively impact my confidence as a developer, particularly as Art4site trusted me to work on a business-impactful project right out of the gate."
With five internships have already been completed, and a further 12 opportunities currently being delivered or recruited, Made Smarter South East is encouraging businesses across the region to explore how a digital internship could support their ambitions.
Bryan Vint, Programme Manager for Made Smarter South East, said: "One of the biggest barriers to digital transformation for many manufacturers is finding the time and specialist expertise needed to turn ideas into reality.
"These digital internships help overcome that challenge by connecting businesses with talented students and graduates who bring new skills, knowledge and fresh thinking into the organisation. Whether it's exploring AI, automating processes or improving digital workflows, the placements provide a practical, low-risk way for manufacturers to access specialist expertise and accelerate projects.
"At the same time, students gain invaluable experience working on real business challenges, applying their learning in a commercial environment and developing the skills employers are looking for. By connecting manufacturers with emerging digital talent from universities across the region, the programme is helping strengthen the future skills pipeline and creating benefits for businesses, students and the wider manufacturing sector."
Digital Internships form part of Made Smarter South East's wider support programme, which also includes digital roadmaps, leadership training and workforce development, and match-funded grants of up to £20,000 to help manufacturers adopt new technologies.
For more detail visit: madesmarter.uk/adoption/in-my-region/south-east
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