A Hull-based manufacturer has accelerated product development and secured new digital capability after welcoming a fully funded graduate intern through the Made Smarter programme.
Monitair, which designs and manufactures electronic airflow monitoring devices used to improve workplace safety, has strengthened its research and development capability after working with Electrical and Electronics Engineering student Solomon Taiwo Olanisebe from the University of Hull.
The internship, delivered through Made Smarter Yorkshire’s Digital Internship Programme and led by Sheffield Hallam University, provided Monitair with three months of fully funded specialist digital support, allowing the business to explore product improvements and future development opportunities that had previously been on hold.
Kathryn Sowerby, Managing Director of Monitair, said the placement had delivered immediate value.
“As a small company, bringing in an intern has been incredibly valuable,” she said. “Solomon has helped us begin R&D projects that we simply did not have the time or resource to progress. His electronics knowledge has enabled us to explore product improvements and future development ideas.”
The impact has been so significant that Monitair has confirmed it will offer Solomon a permanent role, retaining digital engineering talent within East Yorkshire.
Solomon said the experience had provided invaluable exposure to real-world manufacturing.
“This internship has allowed me to apply my academic knowledge to real product development and testing,” he said. “Working on prototype designs and exploring how the device can evolve has strengthened my practical engineering skills and given me valuable experience in research and development within manufacturing.”
Monitair is one of a growing number of manufacturers across Hull and East Yorkshire using fully funded digital internships to introduce automation, strengthen data systems and accelerate innovation.
Since 2021, Made Smarter Yorkshire has funded 37 internships, including 16 during the pilot year in 2021/22 and a further 21 funded in the current programme year. With placements continuing to roll out, eight internships have already been matched to businesses this year, with further opportunities live and in development.
Across the latest cohort, emerging digital talent from UK universities has helped consolidate fragmented business data, automate quality checks, embed augmented reality (AR) work instructions, develop customer-facing digital systems, strengthen R&D capability, and build structured e-commerce platforms, improving operational performance and supporting sustainable growth.
Siouxnice Walker, Senior Internship Coordinator for Made Smarter Yorkshire, said: “It’s fantastic to see the immediate and measurable impact this cohort of digital interns is having on manufacturers across the region.
“What we are seeing across Yorkshire is not just experimentation, but acceleration. Manufacturers are embedding automation, data systems and digital platforms into live environments, improving productivity and competitiveness and, in some cases, creating permanent roles as a direct result. With new internships launching regularly, I would encourage businesses to explore the opportunities available.”
Since launching in 2021, Made Smarter Yorkshire has engaged with almost 1,200 manufacturers, created nearly 700 digital roadmaps and provided technical project support to more than 250 businesses. Over 100 capital grants worth £1.4 million have been approved, unlocking a further £2.4 million in private investment for a £3.8 million technology boost across the region. Close to 150 companies have taken part in leadership and skills programmes.
Businesses looking to access funded digital talent, and students seeking hands-on manufacturing experience, can view current placements here: www.madesmarter.uk/get-involved/digital-internship-opportunities/yorkshire-and-humber-digital-intern-roles