Recruiters across a variety of industries search for candidates who have some form of work experience on their CVs. Unfortunately, a common problem for school leavers is a lack of practical work experience. So, why not improve your chances of securing a job with work placements?

What is a Work Placement?

A work placement is a temporary role within an organisation that provides students with the opportunity to utilise skills and knowledge in a real working environment. It also provides the chance to experience a fundamental job role within any given industry. Work placements might form a crucial part of your degree or qualification. Therefore, they are usually completed during term time.

The type of work you do will depend on the employer and job role. Still, it will typically involve shadowing and learning from an experienced member of staff in the workplace. You can expect to assist with day-to-day activities that help the business run effectively.

Companies are required to pay the national minimum wage to anyone classed as a worker. However, there are exceptions to this, such as if the placement is part of an academic programme, or if you’re working for a registered charity.

Types of Work Placements

Below we’ll take a look at the different forms of work placements that you can expect to find.

Industry Placements

Industry Placements are usually undertaken alongside studying a degree. This allows you to supplement the skills and knowledge gained in class with experience in a real job setting.

Sandwich Degrees

Sandwich degrees are programmes offered by universities that combine a conventional degree with working in a related industry. They usually last for a year and can be done in the UK, or even abroad.

Internships

Internships are typically offered to graduates looking to take the first steps towards a long-term career within an organisation. They are usually designed with the possibility of a full-time contract when completed.

For further information, check out our dedicated page on Internships.

Work experience

Work experience is commonly undertaken for much shorter periods and is often unpaid. It is traditionally completed outside of term time and not necessarily related to a specific degree.

Our section on work experience has all the information you need.

Benefits of Work Placements

There are numerous benefits to completing a work placement as part of your university programme. Firstly, work placements increase your overall employability. In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that students perform better in their final year exams after completing a year in industry. Secondly, a work placement can be excellent preparation for when you finish your qualification and are ready to explore the jobs market.

Here are some other advantages to completing a work placement:

  • Provides valuable experience in a real-world setting
  • Learn new skills alongside working a real job
  • Gain an insight into a specific industry or field of work
  • Offers you useful networking opportunities
  • Give you the ability to obtain a reference, which could make a difference in future job applications
  • You get paid for the hours you work (in longer placements)

How to Get a Work Placement

Despite usually forming part of your qualification, the responsibility of securing an offer for a work placement lies with you. However, the majority of universities and educational institutions will have placement officers to provide support and guidance when identifying opportunities and approaching employers.

Starting the search early, preferably at the beginning of your second year, can be an easy way of getting ahead of the curve. With the more renowned employers receiving applications from hundreds of candidates, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. Therefore, it is a good idea to tailor your cover letter and CV for each role.

Also, consider smaller companies that may allow you to use your initiative more often. Moreover, these smaller businesses frequently provide opportunities to return on a more permanent basis when your studies are complete.

Summary and Conclusions: Work Placements

At a time when competition for graduate employment opportunities is strong, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever. By securing an offer for a work placement, you’re increasing your chances of landing your dream job and setting yourself up for career success. Of course, you’ll have to put in the time and effort but, in the end, a work placement could potentially make all the difference.

Get in contact with your university’s placement officer for support and guidance. Remember, the more proactive you are when searching for work placements, the better. Prospective employers value candidates who take the initiative.