Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)

If you're a graduate or postgraduate looking for a job that offers responsibility, career development, and the chance to make a real impact, look no further than a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

What is a KTP?

A KTP is a UK-wide programme funded by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation. It connects businesses or non-profit organisations with academic institutions to collaborate on innovative projects that deliver real-world commercial outcomes.

Each KTP involves a partnership between:

• a business of any size or sector - including private, public, and third sector/not-for-profit organisations
• a UK knowledge base - such as a university, college, research organisation, or the Catapult Network
• a KTP associate - a recently qualified graduate employed by the knowledge base but works full time within the company.

Unlike traditional graduate schemes, KTPs are designed around specific, strategic projects. As Karl Ward, KTP manager at Northumbria University and vice chair of the KTP National Forum, explains, 'you'll be working with leading academics and industry experts on a groundbreaking project to either enter a new market or change the organisation.'

How does a KTP work?

KTPs operate through a process involving several key stages:

1. identification - a company identifies a strategic need or challenge requiring external expertise.
2. matching - the company partners with a university or research organisation that offers the necessary knowledge.
3. proposal development - a joint proposal outlining goals, methods, and desired outcomes is submitted to Innovate UK.
4. funding - if approved, the project receives partial funding.
5. implementation - a KTP associate is recruited, and the project runs for 12 to 36 months.

For more information, visit the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships website.

What work could I do as a KTP associate?

As a KTP associate, you'll be at the heart of innovation within the business, often leading a transformative project from day one.

'With the support of the project team, you'll quickly take ownership of the project, lead key activities, and ensure successful delivery. Expect to challenge existing practices and be challenged in return,' highlights Karl.

Your responsibilities will vary depending on your qualifications and the project's needs. Example KTP projects include:

• designing innovative products, processes, or services
• developing new business strategies, improving productivity, and entering new markets - particularly in Management KTP (MKTP) projects
• embedding new technologies or capabilities within an organisation
• optimising production facilities.

What sectors can I work in?

KTPs span a wide range of sectors and are primarily targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), though organisations of all sizes - including charities and social enterprises - can participate.

While engineering and manufacturing have traditionally been strongholds, there's growing demand in areas such as:

• creative industries
• digital innovation
• environmental sustainability.

Karl notes, 'At Northumbria, we're seeing a surge in projects using machine learning and AI across various sectors. There's also a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, and we're excited about recent developments in architecture and building services. The public and third sectors are seeing growth too - especially in the humanities and social sciences.'

What are the benefits of a KTP?

For graduates, KTPs offer the chance to lead a high-impact project while developing valuable professional and technical skills.

You'll benefit from:

• a competitive salary of £30,000 to £40,000
• a £2,000 annual personal development budget
• career prospects and potential job offers from the host company
• leadership of a strategic, real-world project
• opportunities to gain professional qualifications
• tailored training and development.

All associates receive management skills training and can use their development budget for training aligned with their project and personal goals.

'No matter where your career takes you, leading and delivering a major change project is incredibly valuable,' adds Karl. 'You'll gain technical and essential soft skills like communication, negotiation, project management, and leadership.'

How do I find a KTP job?

KTP vacancies are advertised all year round. You can find them at:

• Google Jobs (search for 'KTP')
• jobs.ac.uk
• LinkedIn (search for 'KTP associate')

You can also search for current roles via Knowledge Transfer Partnerships - Jobs.

In addition to online listings, vacancies may appear:

• in local newspapers
• through university departments
• at your university's careers office.

Most academic institutions involved in KTPs also have a dedicated KTP office to help you identify suitable vacancies and guide you through the application process.

How do I apply for a KTP?

To be eligible for a KTP associate role, you typically need at least a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject, and in some cases, a postgraduate qualification.

When applying for a job, tailor your application by highlighting your academic achievements and ability to apply subject-specific knowledge in practical settings.

Karl advises applicants to 'demonstrate how you've used your soft skills to meet goals. Ask yourself - what do you want to gain from this experience? Where do you see yourself in five years, and what do you need to do to get there?'

Applying for a KTP role is similar to applying for a regular graduate job. You’ll usually submit a CV or complete an online application form. If shortlisted, you'll be invited for an interview - often held at the company site with members of the supervisory team.

KTPs look for proactive individuals with a growth mindset. Karl describes an ideal candidate as 'a communicative person with a positive approach to challenges, a willingness to learn, and enough confidence to suggest alternative solutions from time to time.'

Read about the essential skills that employers want.

Find out more

• Read about KTPs at Innovate UK - KTP guidance.
• Explore graduate employers.
• Discover how to choose a career.