Two UWTSD students add real value to Swansea-based company

UWTSD-supported student internships have made a significant contribution to Swansea-based logistics company Shipmax, driving tangible value for the business.

Third year students, Kieran Brown and Caitlin Davis have both had paid workplace experiences as interns at the company. 

Kieran, who will graduate with a BSc Applied Computing this July, undertook a 80-hour internship and is now a full-time employee with the company. He also joined SHIPMAX as part of a Welsh Government delegation via Business Wales to attend a conference on AI at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston earlier this month. 

“Working as an intern at SHIPMAX has significantly developed my understanding of how AI can be applied in the workplace to drive innovation and maximise impact”, Kieran explains. “This was further enhanced through my recent trip to MIT with SHIPMAX, where I gained even more insight into the potential of emerging technologies. Now moving into a full-time role, I’m excited to hit the ground running and apply everything I’ve learned. I’m really looking forward to this next phase and what’s ahead for us at SHIPMAX.”

Shipmax is located within the University’s Innovation Matrix at the SA1 Waterfront campus, having begun using the building as a hotdesking space before taking an unit within the building.  Phil Rees, Chief Executive Officer, who  is also a guest lecturer at the University, said:  “Kieran’s contribution to the business has been particularly valuable, hence my offer of full-time employment in the business after he completes his degree. 

“I very much looking forward to collaborating with the University in the new academic year with more internships and collaboration due to this initial success”.

James Williams, senior lecturer in applied computing, said:  “Phil Rees’ contribution as an industry guest lecturer added significant value to the student experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice. Phil’s talk brought real-world insight into the Innovation & Project Management module, reinforcing that the methods, tools and workflow process our students undertake are exactly those used in industry. It is also wonderful to see the direct impact of our industry engagement on our students’ career journeys. Kieran’s internship with SHIPMAX is a great example of how these experiences translate into meaningful employment opportunities, benefiting both the student and the employer.”

Caitlin, who is studying the BA Graphic Design, completed a 40 hour placement and has since continued working at the company as a freelance designer. Throughout the internship, she says that she developed a range of new creative and technical skills, while also improving her confidence in communicating ideas, managing projects, and adapting to professional expectations. 

She said:  “During my 40-hour internship with SHIPMAX, I had the opportunity to work closely alongside Phil, gaining hands-on experience in graphic design within a professional and fast-paced working environment.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, as it gave me valuable insight into the industry and allowed me to apply and expand the skills I had developed during my studies. Working with Phil was particularly rewarding, as I was able to learn from his guidance and gain a better understanding of real-world design work and collaboration.

“Since completing the internship, I have continued working with Phil as a freelancer, which has been an exciting continuation of my professional development. This opportunity has allowed me to build on the experience gained during my internship, take on new creative challenges, and begin establishing myself within the industry as I start my new journey as a postgraduate student”.

Student internships have a mutual benefit to the student and the company as demonstrated by SHIPMAX. They provide tangible benefits to companies enabling them to recruit specific skills and expertise into the business while also providing practical work-based experience for students that complements their academic studies.  Often, as in the case of Kieran and Caitlin, they lead to job opportunities. Additionally, internships can help students make informed career choices, strengthen their CVs and help build professional networks while boosting students’ confidence when making the transition into full-time employment.

Amanda Hayden, UWTSD Projects Manager for Innovation and Engagement: “It’s always incredibly rewarding to see internships develop into meaningful opportunities that benefit everyone involved, the student, the business and the University. At UWTSD, we are committed to creating industry-led experiences that give our students and graduates valuable real-world opportunities while also helping businesses access fresh talent, ideas and skills.

“What makes collaborations like this with SHIPMAX particularly special is the partnership approach. We work closely with our tenants and industry partners to ensure these relationships go beyond simply sharing a space,  they are genuine collaborations built on mutual benefit, shared ambition and long-term impact.

“It has been fantastic to see the success of both Kieran and Caitlin at SHIPMAX, and we look forward to continuing to work with Phil, Kieran and the team at SHIPMAX, and all of our Innovation Matrix tenants to create even more opportunities in the future.”

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071