Industry information for students:

 

 

What is an industry placement?

Industry placements play a big part in preparing you for the world of work.  They are a valuable addition to your learning programme to develop your practical and technical skills in a ‘real work environment’.

Industry placements take place over 45 days (315 hours) and can be with up to 2 different employers.  The placements will fit around your timetable, the needs of the employers and any commitments you may have out of college.

As part of your industry placement your tutor and employer will agree learning goals to be achieved whilst on your placement.  You will have a dedicated work experience officer who will visit you on a regular basis to discuss your progress towards your learning goals and how your placement is going.

What will I gain from completing an industry placement?

From completing an industry placement you will:

  • Gain employability skills that you need for the workplace including building resilience and confidence, communication skills and professional behaviours and attitude
  • Gain experience of being in a work environment and put the skills and knowledge that you have learnt in college into practice in a real work environment
  • Your industry placement will be a really important addition to your C.V., it will make a difference when applying for future apprenticeships or jobs and make you stand out from other applicants
  • Step out of your comfort zone and build confidence through interacting with colleagues and new people

Hear from our students who have completed an industry placement:

Industry information for employers:

 

 

Are you an employer who can take a student on an industry placement?

Employers like you play a key role in creating opportunities for young people in our local community who are at the start of their careers by enabling them to develop their skills and build confidence.

Industry Placements offer an exciting opportunity to give young people an insight into working in your industry.

Here at Redcar & Cleveland College, we recognise that real and meaningful work experience enhances our student’s future employment opportunities to make sure young people are prepared to be successful in the real world.

Industry placements give young people a valuable opportunity to put the practical experience and knowledge which is directly related to their course, into practice, helping prepare them for the world of work.

What would I gain from taking a student on an industry placement?

  • Develop existing staff’s mentoring and management skills
  • Giving opportunities to young people from a wide range of backgrounds, leading to a more diverse workforce
  • Extra resources for projects and day to day work, bringing in new and imaginative ideas from students developing their skills
  • Ongoing support from your named Work Experience Officer to help with recruiting the right student for your company, set and plan learning objectives and regular visits to check student progress
  • There is no cost to your company. Financial support is available for Personal Protective Equipment, Disclosure Barring Service checks, bespoke training courses and travel
  • Being able to handpick the best of level 3 learners
  • Supporting growth and the economy in the local community
  • Have access to people with imaginative new ideas, innovation and different skills from those already in your workforce
  • Raise the profile of your business by supporting local young people into industry placements, improving their employability and progression opportunities
  • Address current and future skills shortages in your industry – grow your own workforce with the skills you need for the future

What would I have to commit to?

  • Provide an industry placement of 315 hours / 45 days for a student who is on a level 3 course which is directly relevant to your industry. The timing and structure of the placement will be based on your needs. The different models available include ‘block placements, day release or a combination of both – we work to a ‘best fit’ model
  • Agree achievable learning objectives for the placement with the student and their Work Experience Officer. The learning objectives should be occupationally specific to your industry
  • Ensure there is a safe work environment and opportunities for the student to develop their technical skills and knowledge within your industry
  • Provide support, supervise and mentor the student, who will have regular contact with their Work Experience Officer to discuss their progress
  • During the placement you will be required to complete appraisals on the student’s performance and progress against learning objectives, you will also be asked to provide a reference on their commitment and progress made whilst on the placement

Hear from our employers who have taken on industry placement students: