Warwick Advance Internship Programme
What is WAIP?
The Warwick Advance Internship Programme (WAIP) originated in a call from employers to create engagement spaces that would draw students from underrepresented backgrounds. It is for Widening Participation students who want to develop their employability skills and access opportunities to increase their social mobility. WAIP is an equity-based programme; some students at Warwick need extra support so they can excel in their career.
Why should I get involved?
Your organisation can make a difference. By being a WAIP supporter, you will be enabling students who need additional help maximise their chance of career success. You will also:
- Be able to share your knowledge and expertise about the industry you work in.
- Grow your network by having an active role within Warwick’s Widening Participation community.
- Fulfil any EDI initiatives your organisation may have.
- Improve your organisational profile by gaining a fresh perspective from a diverse range of students.
What does Widening Participation mean?
Students who are Widening Participation may:
- Have been eligible for Free School Meals whilst at Secondary School
- Have a household income below £35,001
- Come from an area with low progression rates to higher education
- Receive the Warwick Bursary or other means tested financial support
- Have a disability, including seen and unseen disabilities
- Be a mature student who started university over the age of 21
- Have spent time in Local Authority care
- Be an estranged student who is not supported by their parents
- Have caring responsibilities
- Be the first in their family to go to university
Students don’t need to meet all these requirements and their eligibility will be checked against university records.
Widening Participation is part of the United Kingdom Government’s education policyLink opens in a new window to ensure students from all backgrounds can access and thrive at university. The University of Warwick performs outreach work through the Widening Participation TeamLink opens in a new window to encourage students from all backgrounds to join us. WAIP is extra support for Widening Participation students so they can engage with all the resources here at Warwick.
How can I get involved?
Providing education:
- Running a skills sessionLink opens in a new window
- Giving a presentation about your organisation and the opportunities availableLink opens in a new window
Providing experience:Link opens in a new window
- Insight days/taster sessions
- Work shadowing
- Casual work
- Mentoring
- Volunteering
- Internships
- Project work
Organisations taking part in WAIP are not expected to do all of these, the programme is designed to be flexible to fit your business needs.
For further information please email Link opens in a new window, We’ll be happy to answer any questions and discuss how you can get involved.