FAQs
Can I have more than one placement, either in the same area or in different areas?
Yes, you are able to access more than one student from the same placement area or other placement areas. Please ensure that you have adequate support measures in place to allow our students to apply themselves fully within your organisation. Placements are aimed at developing value-added work experience.
Do the placements have to involve being based at a premises/place of work?
Placements are an opportunity for students to gain practical experience within the world of work. Where possible, we encourage you to offer students the same experience as all staff members across your business. We appreciate that industries differ and there may be some flexibility in approach. If your opportunity is virtual or carried out through hybrid ways of working, please ensure that you offer full support for students to carry out duties to the best of their ability to support your organisation.
A student needs to travel to and from the premises/place of work. Who should pay for this?
Students are normally responsible for the cost of travelling to and from their usual place of work each day. However, if the role requires the student to travel during working hours (for example, to attend meetings, events, or different work locations), we recommend that these reasonable travel expenses are covered by the placement host wherever possible. If travel is a requirement of the role, this should be made clear in the role description and discussed with the student before the placement begins.
What can you expect from the University and our students?
The student’s Academic Advisor will keep in regular contact throughout the placement, with around three check-ins to provide support where needed. The University can also offer guidance during the recruitment process and will ensure the student is fully prepared before starting their placement. Students are expected to behave professionally, courteously, and respectfully at all times, follow your organisation’s policies and procedures, make a positive contribution in line with the agreed role description, work within their level of competence, and report any sickness or absence promptly to both their placement host and Academic Advisor.
What do we ask of you as the placement host?
We ask that you treat the student as a valued member of your team, applying the same workplace policies and procedures that apply to employees. You should provide a suitable induction, including a health and safety briefing, a safe working environment, and access to relevant organisational policies. We also ask that you take a flexible and supportive approach to the student’s learning, provide appropriate insurance cover if required, and appoint a supervisor to support them throughout the placement.