Digital Internship Opportunity: Digital Systems Development & Implementation Intern
Reference Number: MSSE/GJCNC
Start Date: 7th April 2026
Location: Tonbridge

Applying for this role: Go to Digital internships in manufacturing | Made Smarter register yourself, once completed, send an email to msasoutheast@surreycc.gov.uk citing the ref and the job you are interested in applying for.

The Business Summary: 

G&J CNC is a forward-thinking precision manufacturing business known for its strong foundations, commitment to innovation, and continuous improvement. The company prides itself on its highly skilled workforce and investment in quality processes. 

G&J CNC manufactures precision-engineered components and operates within a demanding supply chain environment, supplying to customers who rely on reliability, quality, and accuracy. The business differentiates itself through its commitment to lean principles, operational excellence, and a willingness to embrace digitally enabled improvements. 

The company operates across multiple sites under the CTN Group umbrella and uses structured ERP/MRP systems, SQL Server–based databases, and automated tooling management through vending systems. The business continues to invest in its people, technology, and facilities, and is exploring digital transformation opportunities through Made Smarter support. 

 

G&J CNC is ambitious about: 

  • Improving internal systems 

  • Increasing operational efficiency 

  • Reducing reliance on unsupported legacy software 

  • Ensuring robust IT infrastructure, disaster recovery, and cyber security 

  • Exploring automation and potential integrations between tooling systems and ERP platforms 

  • Continuing its digital transformation journey through scalable and future-proof solutions 

 

What you’ll be doing: 

The intern will work on a high-impact, real-world digital systems project with clear ownership and freedom to innovate. 

Primary Project – Vending Machine System Replacement (Core Deliverable) 

You will: 

  • Analyse the current tooling vending machine system (Windows-based machine with unsupported online portal). 

  • Understand how the machine communicates, generates reports, and manages stock, users, and transactions. 

  • Work with the current vendor (limited support expected) to extract system behaviour and requirements. 

  • Develop a replacement local/offline portal or equivalent interface that can:  

  • Control the vending machine hardware 

  • Authenticate users (PIN-based access) 

  • Track transactions and usage 

  • Generate weekly usage and stock reports 

  • Maintain or improve existing workflows 

  • Ensure the solution can be replicated for the secondary site in Norfolk. 

Secondary Project Options (If time permits / up to full 300 hours) 

  1. ERP/MRP System Review & Light Automation 

  • Explore automation opportunities within the company’s SQL Server–based ERP system. 

  • Investigate report generation improvements. 

  • Map opportunities for safe process enhancements without modifying core system integrity. 

  1. IT System Review & Disaster Recovery Plan 

  • Evaluate current IT provider arrangements and system configurations. 

  • Check backup processes, server access, and data recovery readiness. 

  • Help produce or update a formal disaster recovery plan. 

  1. Cyber Essentials Support 

  • Review Cyber Essentials requirements. 

  • Assess current compliance and gaps. 

  • Work with the external provider to prepare documentation for certification. 

The role offers a combination of software development, systems analysis, IT infrastructure understanding, and practical hardware interaction — ideal for students who enjoy hands-on, applied digital problem-solving. 

 

What you’ll gain: 

  • Experience delivering a complete, standalone digital systems project from discovery to implementation. 

  • Exposure to manufacturing and engineering environments. 

  • Real-world problem-solving and the opportunity to create a system that directly impacts business efficiency. 

  • Experience working with:  

  • SQL Server databases 

  • ERP/MRP environments 

  • Hardware–software integrations (vending systems) 

  • IT infrastructure and cyber security standards 

  • The chance to develop a project suitable for a dissertation, portfolio, or career specialism. 

  • Support from experienced engineers, operations leaders, and external technical contacts. 

 

About you: 

Essential Skills 

  • Strong interest or experience in software development 

  • Understanding of programming concepts (any modern language) 

  • Ability to analyse systems and reverse‑engineer functionality 

  • Problem-solving mindset and ability to work independently 

  • Willingness to learn new tools, systems, and technologies 

  • Good communication skills to work with vendor contacts, technical staff, and internal teams 

 

Desirable Skills 

  • Experience with SQL Server or database-driven applications 

  • Familiarity with Microsoft Access or other database front-end tools 

  • Understanding of APIs or hardware/software communication 

  • Interest in cyber security or IT infrastructure 

  • Experience generating automated reports or building dashboards 

  • Prior exposure to manufacturing, engineering, or industrial settings