For many SMEs, the challenge of digital transformation is not ambition. It is time, capacity and skills. Digital interns are helping to close that gap, bringing focused capability into live environments and unlocking projects that had previously been stuck in limbo.
We recently showcased how digital interns are accelerating AI, automation and digital adoption across the region. But beyond those headline examples, more businesses across Yorkshire are quietly making faster progress with the help of emerging digital talent.
Here other manufacturers share how fresh skills are driving real momentum inside their businesses.
Automating production in Leeds
Leeds-based ICE Electronics improved reliability and efficiency within a key production line by developing an automated testing platform with support from Mohit Kumar, an MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduate from Sheffield Hallam University.
Dr Neil Curry, Managing Director, said: “Mohit has helped us move forward with the automation of an important production process. By improving how we program and test our products, he has strengthened reliability and efficiency across the business. The internship has also been a valuable opportunity to bring in fresh skills and identify future talent.”
Mohit Kumar said: “Developing an automated testing platform has strengthened my confidence and clarified my ambition to build a career in digital engineering within manufacturing.”
Scaling digital growth in Pontefract
Skincare manufacturer GinGingers strengthened its digital foundations and e-commerce scalability with the help of Marian Vivek Balavendran, an MSc Digital Marketing Management graduate from Coventry University.
Tina Harris, Founder, said: “As a founder, digital can easily become reactive rather than strategic. This internship has brought structure, expertise and confidence to an area that felt overwhelming, helping us build a purposeful, scalable digital presence as we prepare for our next stage of growth.”
Marian Vivek Balavendran said: “This placement has allowed me to move beyond theory and take real responsibility inside a growing SME. Seeing my work take shape in a live business has been both grounding and motivating.”
Strengthening inspection systems in Brighouse
Automated beverage systems company Ebar developed its camera-based inspection system with the help of Sai Kushal Chakka, an MSc Electrical Automotive Engineering graduate from Coventry University.
Nick Beeson, Managing Director and Co-Founder, said: “Sai has helped us develop a digital inspection capability that strengthens the reliability of our automated systems. The internship has allowed us to progress a project that improves accuracy and supports smarter manufacturing processes.”
Sai Kushal Chakka said: “This placement has allowed me to apply engineering theory in a real manufacturing setting while working with automation and digital technology. Contributing to a system that improves safety and reliability has strengthened my confidence and clarified my ambition to build a career in smart manufacturing, automation and machine vision.”
Modernising systems in Ingleton
Robustrack, a hydraulic excavator attachment specialist based in Ingleton, welcomed economics graduate Nick Cerca from the University of Bristol to help modernise its CRM and inventory management processes and explore the integration of AI-driven tools and automation across its operations.
Claire Procter, Company Director, said: “We knew there were opportunities to digitalise the way we manage stock and data, but finding the time and expertise to properly explore those options is always a challenge in a growing SME. Nick came in with fresh eyes and a strong commercial and technical understanding and has helped us build a much clearer picture of what's possible. His work has given us a real foundation to move forward with confidence in a more efficient and productive way."
Ready to move faster?
If you are a manufacturer with a project that needs momentum, or a student looking to apply your digital skills inside a live industrial environment, you can explore current Digital Internship opportunities here.