The NCWE Awards are in their tenth year of recognising and rewarding employers who provide high-quality internships to students and graduates. Categories cover organisations large and small, and all sectors including charities and the public sector. The winners were announced recently at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London by Timpson chairman, John Timpson.

The Infosys InStep programme, which offers students a three-month placement in India, won the Work Placement of the Year crown in the category for large organisations with more than 250 employees (short term placements).

The judges praised Infosys for providing a rare opportunity of cultural diversity that makes the scheme particularly unique. They also commended the firm’s three-tier support system and the considerable consideration that was put in to engaging students over the longer term despite it being a short-term placement.

Carol McCarthy, head of human resources in EMEA for Infosys, said: “The Infosys InStep programme is designed to provide a forum for cultural exchange and helps bring fresh ideas into the company. As well as raising awareness of the Infosys brand among future leaders, we hope to prepare a younger generation for the truly global marketplace in which they will forge their careers.”

Mike Hill, chief executive of the Higher Education Careers Services Unit which runs the NCWE, said: “Entries are blind judged and, thanks to a rigorous process, standards are high so all of those who made the final cut have done exceptionally well. The final list helps students and graduates identify companies that are providing truly valuable experiences among an abundance of opportunities that have wide-ranging standards.”

This year’s sponsors include the Association of Graduate Recruiters, GlaxoSmithKline, Intel, PlaceNet and TUI UK & Ireland. The complete list of winners can be found at The complete report can be downloaded at www.work-experience.org/awards