ABOUT US

G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications.

Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fibre optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years.

Our success is built on innovation, precision, and the talent of our people. We are committed to developing capability at every stage of a career, from apprenticeships and graduate pathways through to leadership development.

ROLE TYPE

Internship/Temporary role - 3 month contract commencing early May 2026. Working hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 16:30.

ROLE
We're looking to offer a three month internship to someone who is currently studying towards or has recently completed a degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Health & Safety, Business, or a related discipline.

The postholder will support the company’s sustainability and health & safety initiatives, with a particular focus on implementing 62 improvement action items for the EcoVadis sustainability assessment. 

They will also contribute to broader sustainability projects and provide administrative and operational support to the Health & Safety function.

MANDATORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adherence to all Company policies, management systems and standard operational procedures, including legal responsibilities in relation to Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality
• Working positively to develop and foster good working relationships with colleagues and contracted personnel in order to maintain a culture of mutual respect and dignity
• Promote and display the G&H values: Customer focus, Integrity, Action, Unity, Precision

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the implementation of identified EcoVadis improvement actions, ensuring progress is recorded and documented
• Support the collection and analysis of sustainability-related data to meet company and regulatory requirements
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to ensure sustainability objectives are met
• Conduct research on industry best practices and contribute to the development of sustainability initiatives
• Assist in the preparation of reports and presentations on sustainability performance
• Provide administrative support to the Health & Safety team, including updating policies and procedures as required
• Assist in maintaining health & safety records and ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations
• Support risk assessment processes and incident reporting
• Contribute to health & safety awareness initiatives within the organisation

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Currently studying towards or recently completed a degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Health & Safety, Business, or a related discipline
• Strong analytical and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Knowledge of sustainability frameworks such as EcoVadis or ISO 14001.
• Familiarity with health & safety regulations and procedures. 

Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake any and all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions.  These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation.

All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.