Work Experience and Industry Placements

Offering Work Experience or Industry Placements is a great opportunity for businesses to engage with local young people

Work experience and industry placements enable a young person to spend time on an employer’s premises. Among other things, they will be able to observe the workplace, complete tasks under adult supervision and develop the skills and behaviours required in the workplace.

They are a great way to support 16-19 year old students to develop their employability and help them learn the skills that your business requires from its future workforce.

Industry Placements

An industry placement is a key component of a T Level course. Industry Placements are 315 hours in length and are to be completed over the two years of the qualification. (315 hours works out at around 45 days, depending on day lengths). Students will attend placement one or two days per week over a specific period to fit in with their course delivery model. Employability skills are built into the T Level, so students will have an idea of what employers are looking for and how to conduct themselves in the workplace. For more detailed information about T Levels, you can visit the official UK Government T Level guidance published by the Department for Education.

Work Experience

A students work experience will usually be arranged with a local employer and so will, as far as possible, be within easy travelling distance from your home address. Work experience cannot be paid, but it is nevertheless a real investment in your future.

Each student’s work experience must last for a minimum of 30 hours and usually takes place over the course of one week, Monday – Friday. Some employers might prefer to arrange your hours differently, for instance you may attend for one day a week over a number of weeks instead. You will set targets for your work experience and complete a logbook to note down and reflect on all you achieve

Benefits of Work Experience and Industry Placements for Your Business:

Meet and mentor your future workforce.
Identify talented individuals and take a good look at a potential employee.
Students can offer fresh perspectives for you, as well as being an additional capable resource.
A useful extra pair of hands to help speed up jobs.
Develop existing employees. Provide your employees with management opportunities, helping them to feel motivated and grow their loyalty to your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit to me as a business for taking on work placement students?

Many of our employers we work with use work experience as a fantastic way of demonstrating corporate social responsibility. Not only does offering work experience help young people in your local community to develop their work skills and ensure they enjoy the roles they are looking to secure in the future, but it also ensures businesses have played a part in developing the talent of their future workforce. Many of our employers find their future recruits through offering work placement. By working with the college to provide case studies of your experience we can also promote via our website and other social media and digital marketing channels so you have the benefit of lots of free marketing!

How many students do I need to provide work placements for?

That depends on how many placements you can offer! There is no maximum or minimum. Whether it is a one off, or you’d like to offer regular or multiple placements, please do get in touch.

Do I have to pay learners for work placements?

That depends on how many placements you can offer! There is no maximum or minimum. Whether it is a one off, or you’d like to offer regular or multiple placements, please do get in touch.

Can I ask leaners to stop attending their work placement if I am not happy with their performance?

Yes – however, please do get in contact with us first so we can discuss and determine the best way forward for all involved.

Why do I need an Employers’ liability Insurance for a work placement?

You must get a Employers’ Liability insurance (ELI) as soon as you become an employer (work experience counts as employing a person even if you don’t pay them) – your policy must cover you for at least £5 million and come from an authorised insurer.

This falls under the Employers’ Liability Act 1969.

We are unable to approve a work placement without this. Please get in touch to discuss if you need further guidance on this.