This Spring Term is your chance to shine!

As part of your study programme, you’ll complete a minimum of 30 hours of work placement – an amazing opportunity to gain real-world experience and boost your career prospects.

Your placement will usually take place during Skills Week (2nd–6th March 2026), but your tutor will confirm if your arrangements differ.

Please note: Part-time jobs cannot count towards your 30-hour placement – this is your chance to explore something new and exciting!

Why is this such a great opportunity?

• ✅ Gain hands-on experience in a real working environment

• ✅ Develop employability skills that employers value

• ✅ Grow your confidence and discover your strengths

• ✅ Expand your professional network for future opportunities

• ✅ Stand out on your CV and boost your career prospects

Hints and tips to finding your own work placement

Finding your own placement puts you in control!

You can choose something you’ll enjoy, that matches your interests and goals. Contacting employers is a fantastic way to practice communication skills and make valuable connections.

Below, you’ll find helpful hints and tips to start your search.

Once you’ve secured your placement, let us know by submitting your placement request on Navigate so the Careers & Employability Team can support you.

If you haven’t found a placement yet, now is the perfect time to start thinking about the type of employer you’d love to gain experience with. Use the tips below to help you get started – your future begins here!

Research

• Consider the most suitable type of company/business or skills you need to develop linked to your course and the type of career you want to progress onto.

• What do you want to get out of this opportunity?

• What skills do you want to use?

• What kind of organisation do you want to work in? Size? Local/national? Reputation?

• Ask parents/guardians, family, friends for contacts and ideas

• Search online, local business directories and newspapers

• Check transport options to get to businesses you’re interested in

• Keep a tracker of your research

Preparation

• Prepare key information about yourself

• Find out some information about the organisation

• Find out the best person to contact in the organisation

• Prepare your CV and an email template

Getting Support

• Ask family or friends to review your CV and emails, and to practise phone calls with you

• Ask for help if you’re feeling stuck

Other things to consider

• How will you get to your placement every day? What are travel connections like?

• What skills do you want to develop? Will this company enable you to do that?

• What is the reputation of the company? Are they known as being a good place to work?

Found your perfect placement?