Blog by Emma Urjasova, Knowledge Transfer Administrative Assistant, University of York
What is a KTP?
The innovative and contemporary Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Programme is a prestigious innovation scheme that brings together an expert academic team, a dynamic company and a graduate or postgraduate, known as a KTP Associate. Working collaboratively, this partnership delivers an innovative project that enhances the competitive advantage of the business.
KTP is one of the largest graduate recruitment programmes in the UK and, right now, more than 800 graduates are involved in KTPs in almost every industry sector, working with companies of all sizes.
What does a KTP Associate do?
The ultimate aim of a KTP Associate is to increase the knowledge transfer between the academic team and the company, and embed competencies necessary to meet the company’s strategic business need. KTP Associates are employed to deliver a 12-36 month project, acting as a linchpin between an academic team and a company. The project is delivered at the company’s premises and KTP Associates are supported by a company and academic supervisor throughout the project lifecycle.
Who can become a KTP Associate?
KTP is a diverse, inclusive programme which covers a huge range of academic disciplines and industry sectors. Any graduate or postgraduate can apply to become a KTP Associate.
KTP project proposals usually come from academic teams and University business partners. However, and increasingly, KTPs in York are initiated by students’ who approach businesses or lecturers during their studies and placement years.
Find out more about York KTP Associate Dr Stephen Remde’s experience of the KTP programme with Gaist UK.
International graduates
A KTP can be a good choice for international graduates who need visa sponsorship. Bharath (Computer Science, 2016) tells us:
The KTP scheme was an excellent incubator for my career as the scheme hires recent graduates to solve industrial problems with expertise from an academic partner. Typically for non-EU graduates like me, the partner university will sponsor a Tier 2 visa and I remember a sizable proportion of the KTP associates I met during networking events were recent UK graduates of non-EU background. Armed with the skills I earned during my studentship at The University of York, I was able to successfully complete my KTP project and now am the Design Manager for controls at the industrial partner Fläkt Woods.
Is a KTP good for my career prospects?
Over 80% of KTP Associates are offered permanent positions by their host companies at the end of their project.
It is challenging, highly-rewarding work that draws on your degree and provides opportunities to develop project management and leadership skills.
KTP Associates have dedicated budget and time allocated to continuous professional development that enables further qualifications and certifications, and opportunity to attend leading sector-wide conferences, both national and international.
Where to find KTP Associate vacancies?
The University of York KTP Associate vacancies are regularly advertised on the University Jobs portal, indeed.co.uk and on Handshake.
There are over 200 KTP vacancies currently available with other universities, and you can register for job alerts. Find out more about the University’s KTP portfolio.
For more on KTP at York, contact Dr Rukmal Abeysekera, Knowledge Transfer Manager, on 01904 321124 or rukmal.abeysekera@york.ac.uk.
University of York Careers and Placements 
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