Work placements

What are work placements?

Work placements are a period of temporary work completed during term time as an integrated part of your degree.

Also known as a 'sandwich year', 'year in industry' or 'placement year' they are a compulsory element of some degrees, typically completed between the second and final year of study.

The aim of a work placement is to build skills, expand networks and gain practical experience in a specific field or role. You'll be assessed and receive academic credit for the placement.

How long do industrial placements last?

This varies depending on your course and the type of placement you're undertaking.

For mandatory placements you'll likely spend a year in industry. These industrial placements are commonly found in engineering, science and construction-related degrees. Social work degrees and those in healthcare and teaching also typically include placement years. Most universities have a placement tutor to help you arrange your year with an employer.

Optional work placements are often arranged during the holidays, and last between one and three months. Other placements involve working one day a week over a longer period of time. In the law sector, one or two-week schemes are available in the form of vacation placements and mini-pupillages, which you can apply for at any time of the year.

What's the difference between work placements and internships?

People often confuse work placements with internships, but the two types of experience are different. While internships are usually undertaken over the summer months or after graduation to gain experience in a particular field, work placements are taken as part of a degree. Students on a placement year are completing a module that will contribute to their overall grade.

What do work placement years involve?

The types of tasks you'll carry out during your placement year will largely depend on the sector you're operating in and the individual role. However, it's likely that all placements will contain elements of:

• real project work
• shadowing teammates
• collaborating with different teams and departments
• taking responsibility for your own project(s)
• training and mentorship from colleagues.

Spending a year in industry will also help you to build skills such as:

• adaptability
• commercial awareness
• communication
• confidence
• problem solving
• resilience
• teamworking.

How do I arrange a placement year?

If you're studying for a course that includes a work placement, you may find that the organisation is simply allocated to you.

However, if this isn't the case then you should arrange your own placement. Your first port of call should be your university careers service, as they will have a huge database of employer and alumni contacts. Careers advisers will also be on hand to help with applications. Take advantage of work experience fairs to make contact with employers and search for suitable placements online. You can also target employers speculatively to find and secure work placements.

When arranging your own work placement, ask for the terms to be agreed in writing beforehand, as placements aren't covered by employment legislation. If you're in any doubt about the organisation or the activities, you should seek further advice from your careers service.

If you struggle to arrange a placement there are a variety of things you can do to build your skills and gain experience. You could apply for virtual work experience, get involved in online volunteering opportunities or apply for temporary or part-time roles. All these activities will build your transferable skills and demonstrate to employers your tenacious, proactive, outside-the-box thinking.

How do I apply for a placement?

If the placement is part of your course some universities may organise opportunities on your behalf, while others will assist you in identifying and applying for placements yourself.

Alternatively, if you're arranging your own placement companies may require you to complete a formal online application, detailing what you could bring to the role. Applying for a work placement can be as competitive as applying for a permanent job, with many companies holding formal interviews and assessment centres. It's therefore essential that before you apply, you thoroughly research the company and the role.

How is an industrial placement assessed?

If the work placement is a compulsory part of your course, it's likely to be formally assessed or accredited. Assessments vary and might include completing specific tasks or projects, writing a report or reflective log, or using the learning from a work placement in another assignment or course activity.

If the placement isn't a compulsory element, then it's a good idea to write about your learning in a personal/professional development portfolio (PDP). This will help you if you need to call upon your experience later to answer interview questions.

Will I be paid for a work placement?

Yes, year in industry placements are usually paid. Salaries will depend on the role, location and company. Estimates for average placement year salaries vary. RateMyPlacement puts it at £20,300 across the UK with a slightly higher average of £22,000 in London.  

What's more, if you’re completing a placement as part of your course you'll pay a reduced tuition fee for that year. For example, at the University of York you'll pay 20% of the full fee for that year, while at the University of Leeds it's 15%.

Short-term work placements are often unpaid, although many organisations cover expenses.

Always discuss matters of payment with the organisation you'll be working for and be clear on where both parties stand before starting your placement.

Why should I do a year in industry?

There are a number of advantages to completing a work placement. For example, they:

• let you apply your theoretical knowledge and skills in a practical work setting
• increase skills and competencies highly sought after by employers
• give you an insight into the way organisations operate and the challenges they face
• help you to understand a particular job or industry
• provide you with networking opportunities
• enable you to attend training courses
• clarify your career goals.

The benefits include:

• the wage you'll be paid
• finding a supervisor who may be able to act as a referee for you in future job applications
• attendance at in-company training courses.

Where can I search for placement opportunities?

• Search for placements on this site.
• Take a look at our employer profiles to find out what's on offer.
• Use social media to look for vacancies and connect with employers. 

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can provide students with fantastic practical experience; so don't discount them when it comes to work placements. They're often overlooked, but small businesses are great for allowing you to act on your own initiative and develop your own way of working. What's more, they provide superb opportunities for networking. If you're a confident, creative and motivated team player, you could quickly become an asset at an SME.

What happens after my work placement?

After you've completed your placement you'll return to your studies to finish the remainder of your degree armed with all the practical experience and clarity gained during your year in industry.

You'll be able to use the industry-specific skills and knowledge acquired to add depth to coursework, assignments and your dissertation.

Upon completion of your placement, make sure to add it to your CV and LinkedIn profile and use the experience to stand out from the crowd in job applications and interviews.

Be sure to connect and keep in touch with managers, mentors and colleagues and use these contacts when looking for work. Some students who impress during their placement year go on to work for the company upon graduation.

Find out more

• Learn more about work experience opportunities.
• Read about Year 12 work experience.