Host an Intern
Saltire Foundation Canada connects Scotland's top university talent with dynamic Canadian companies through a dedicated internship program. Our program enables full-time, penultimate or final year students at Scottish Universities ('Saltire Scholars') the chance to experience a summer internship for a minimum of 10 weeks with Canadian organisations. We offer both in-person and virtual internships and take care of the logistics for each of our placements, from international visa processing to flights, accommodation and insurance. Once in Canada, we are on hand to provide pastoral care to our scholars, allowing you to focus on the delivery of the internship project within your business.
Secure High Quality Talent
At Saltire Foundation Canada, we understand the challenges of recruitment and acquiring new talent for your organisation. Through our internship program, you can:
Access a source of talent that is not available by other means
Help diversify the thinking and skill set of your workforce
Connect with the highest quality undergraduates in Scotland
Create a pipeline of graduate talent, with the ability to trial before commitment to permanent employment
Secure flexible talent - either in-person or working remotely
Our Saltire Scholars come from all different backgrounds and degree subjects. They bring diverse skills enabling them to work on dedicated projects that can help your business change and grow. These projects can cover a wide range of topics such as:
What’s Involved
-
Project Parameters
(September - December)
Hosts submit an internship description using guidelines provided. Meanwhile, the Scholar team shortlists Scotland’s top students who have been through three pre-selection phases. At this time we will also discuss any logistical considerations with you, such as the skills needed by the intern, suggested accommodation for their stay or any other information important to their recruitment
-
Interviews
(January - February)
Hosts receive pre-screened candidates to interview. The decision for which intern to take is yours. Interviews can take place over the telephone, on Zoom or other video conferencing platforms.
-
Logistical Support
(February - May)
Once selected, the Scholar team works with your chosen Scholar intern to ensure they are ready to undertake the internship. We will also be in touch with you to facilitate the completion of the Young Persons Work Permit application and any other logistical requirements, such as security clearance. Our team will continue to work with you to ensure you’re kept up to date with the planning process.
-
Final Placed Intern
(May onwards)
Hosts welcome their virtual and in-person Saltire Scholar for 10 weeks during the summer. The Scholar team provides leadership development and practical support to the interns before, during and after the internship.
Michael Frew, Engineering Assistance Intern, SNC Lavalin
“This experience has been incredible and has truly shaped my character in a positive manner by building my core skills both professionally and personally. In only a few short months my life has been forever changed by the opportunity this internship has given me I was lucky to share this experience with some amazing people who I am sure will become lasting friends”
Jennifer Murray, Insurance Brokerage Business Development Intern, Cavell Risk
"The emphasis on networking and mentorship was particularly impactful, allowing me to build meaningful connections that I believe will be valuable throughout my career. Overall, the experience has been transformative, and I feel better equipped and more confident as I move forward in my professional journey."
Join Canadian Host Companies Including:
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Saltire Foundation Canada invites proposals from Canadian registered charities and non-profit organizations interested in hosting a Saltire Scholar intern. Saltire Foundation Canada will cover the full cost of the internship which would normally costs CA$17K. Get access to short term high-level talent to work on meaningful projects for your organization.
We welcome expressions of interest from organizations whose values and work align with our commitment to:
Providing experiential learning opportunities that foster leadership development in university students
Developing a global entrepreneurial community by equipping both current and future leaders with the skills, mindset, and networks to create lasting value
Strengthening connections between Canada and Scotland through meaningful international collaboration