Branch out in STEM

The Branch out in STEM project is part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and supports employees of SMEs to access free bespoke, training, career coaching and advice to up-skill in vocational and high-level technical skills.
Discover our fully funded courses designed for employees of SMEs operating in the STEM sectors to develop their skills.
Fully funded courses
Marketing Masterclass Series
The NTU Marketing Masterclass series is a programme of practical marketing workshops designed for employees working for a Small or Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) within the D2N2 region. Join us for a transformative journey that will equip you with practical skills and strategies to take your marketing game to the next level.
Women in STEM Leadership
On this course, you'll learn how to lead and manage high-performing teams, the importance of organisational culture and more. It's ideal for women looking to develop or pursue skills in leadership.
£1,500 graduate talent grants
For SMEs operating in the STEM industries and looking to bring new talent into their business, we can offer a talent grant to support employing a graduate.
You can receive £1,500 towards a graduate's salary for a placement of up to 12 weeks. Find out about how we can support you to recruit graduates into your business.
Contact the team at talent@ntu.ac.uk for more information.
Eligibility and equal opportunities
This course is available to employees of SMEs that are based in the D2N2 area (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire). SMEs are defined as having:
- less than 250 employees
- an annual turnover under EUR 50 million or;
- an annual balance sheet less than EUR 43 million.
Although the course is open to all people working in eligible SMEs, we aim to support:
- employees aged 50+
- employees with disabilities
- Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff
- those who have previously missed out on traditional educational opportunities.
This project is part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF).
Further support like this
Priority Skills for D2N2 SMEs
Boost your skills in leadership, sustainability, marketing or change management at no cost to you. Browse through our available courses, including our highly popular Women in Leadership course.
Reskill & Recover
Driving productivity and innovation this project, part funded by the European Social Fund, will cover diverse recruitment and leadership, sector-specific sustainability training, and digital upskilling.
Smart and Inclusive Leadership
Supporting employees of SMEs to access free bespoke training. Fully funded courses train future leaders and provide expert career coaching, enabling you to map out a clear career plan.