Who can apply for an internship?

Internships are typically open to students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals, although eligibility varies by employer. Some internships are aimed at university students, while others are open to people who have completed their studies or are exploring a career change.

Are internships paid?

Some internships are paid, while others are unpaid. In the UK, most internships must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage if the intern is classed as a worker. Paid internships are more common at larger companies and tend to offer a better learning experience and clearer progression opportunities.

How long does an internship last?

Internships usually last between a few weeks and 12 months, with many programmes running over the summer or as part of a year-in-industry placement. The length depends on the company, industry, and whether the internship is part-time or full-time.

Do internships lead to jobs?

Many internships can lead to full-time roles or graduate opportunities, particularly when they are part of structured internship programmes. Employers often use internships as a way to identify and develop future talent, making them a strong stepping stone into permanent employment.

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The best companies offering internships in 2026

In this list, we highlight the best companies offering internships in the UK, focusing on employers that invest in early-career talent through clear learning objectives, real responsibility, and pathways into future roles.

27th Feb 2026

What is an internship?

An internship is a short-term work placement that allows students or early-career professionals to gain practical experience in a specific industry or role. Internships can be paid or unpaid and are designed to help people build skills, confidence, and real-world experience alongside their studies or at the start of their career.

Which companies offer internships?

Airbus: Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2020, it generated revenues of €49.9 billion and employed a workforce of around 150,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners.
Amplifi

Anglian Water Services: Anglian Water Services are building a more resilient future. By 2030, they will have prepared two new reservoirs for construction, and their extended strategic pipeline will ensure the region stays resilient to drought. Every step they take is focused on improving the lives of the people they serve.

BAE Systems: BAE Systems make the future more secure for everyone by creating bold, pioneering security products and services that can change the world we live in.

BMT: BMT exists to navigate the most important and impactful engineering challenges of our time. They create environments where people with outstanding technical knowledge deliver meaningful, practical solutions.

Boomi: Helping companies around the world connect data, people, and devices quickly and easily to advance digital transformation and deliver great customer experiences.

Crest: Crest is one of the UK's leading boutique PR agencies. They create bespoke PR and marketing strategies for start-ups, scale-ups & VCs. They specialise in helping innovative technology companies find their voice, secure media coverage, and build a brand that people trust.

Deliveroo: Deliveroo is an award-winning delivery service founded in 2013 by William Shu and Greg Orlowski. They work with approximately 176,000 best-loved restaurants and grocery partners, as well as around 150,000 riders to provide the best food and retail delivery experience in the world.

Goodlord: Goodlord is a proptech platform on a mission to provide the best renting experience in the world.

SilverRail Technologies: SilverRail Technologies have made it their mission to make rail easy for travellers, agencies and train operators.

EY: At EY, their purpose is to build a better working world. Through the insights and services they provide, EY helps create long-term value for people and society while building trust and confidence in the capital markets.

Flexa Careers : Flexa work with companies to get them discovered for what makes them unique; verifying them through our two stage Flexa -verification process and matching them with millions of users searching by what truly matters to them.

HEINEKEN UK: As the UK’s leading beer, cider and pub business, Heineken are home to some of the world’s best-loved beers and ciders, and a leading player in the international drinks industry.

MBDA: As a leading company in the defence industry, they deliver essential military capabilities for each branch of the Armed Forces - with specific expertise in missiles and missile systems.

Mars UK and Mars France : For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the centre of who they have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating, and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us.

Microsoft UK - Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.

Mott MacDonald: Mott MacDonald are a global engineering, management, and development consultancy.

NHBC: NHBC is the UK's leading provider of warranty and insurance for new-build homes. Their purpose is to raise standards in house building by championing high-quality homes and protecting homeowners.

SAP: A market leader in enterprise software, SAP turns businesses into intelligent, sustainable enterprises. Their applications and services enable business and public customers across 25 industries to operate profitably and adapt continuously.

TUI Group: TUI Group is a leading global travel and leisure company, with 1,200 travel agencies, around 130 planes, over 400 hotels, 16 cruise liners, various digital platforms for leisure activities, and a team of over 60,000 talented colleagues worldwide. Their passion is making holiday dreams come true for our 21 million customers.

Virgin Media O2: VMO2 are an award-winning fibre broadband provider & telecommunications company. They manage 47 million UK connections across broadband, mobile, TV and home phone and have around 18,000 colleagues, working hard to provide the very best connectivity to our valued customers.

Vodafone: Vodafone is a leading international Telco serving 300 million customers. Their strong belief is that connectivity is a force for good. If we use it for the things that really matter, it can improve people's lives and the world around us.

FAQs about internships

Who can apply for an internship?
Internships are typically open to students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals, although eligibility varies by employer. Some internships are aimed at university students, while others are open to people who have completed their studies or are exploring a career change.
Are internships paid?
Some internships are paid, while others are unpaid. In the UK, most internships must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage if the intern is classed as a worker. Paid internships are more common at larger companies and tend to offer a better learning experience and clearer progression opportunities.
How long does an internship last?
Internships usually last between a few weeks and 12 months, with many programmes running over the summer or as part of a year-in-industry placement. The length depends on the company, industry, and whether the internship is part-time or full-time.
Do internships lead to jobs?
Many internships can lead to full-time roles or graduate opportunities, particularly when they are part of structured internship programmes. Employers often use internships as a way to identify and develop future talent, making them a strong stepping stone into permanent employment.