Industry Placements

Help our young students take their first step towards their future career.

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Is your business interested in supporting able young people who are looking to take their first steps into work? Are you committed to engaging with the community and developing local talent and skills? Could you provide young people with a positive experience of the working world?

USP College is passionate about the training and development of young people and has more than 40 years of experience in delivering high-quality learning opportunities for our communities.

We believe that providing young people with an opportunity to undertake real work, and adjust to the routines and habits of working life, significantly improves their employment prospects and also contributes to a better equipped future workforce.

We want to work in partnership with businesses like yours to provide our students with the best possible introduction to working life.

What are the benefits to businesses?

By helping local young people gain work experience you can enjoy a range of benefits which include:

  • Identifying future talent
  • Enhancing your public profile through supporting your local community
  • Developing the supervisory and management skills of your workforce
  • The flexibility of having an extra individual to complete one-off tasks
  • Addition of a fresh perspective and contribution of new ideas
  • Boosting the morale and motivation of your staff
  • Development of a new recruitment channel through your link to USP College
  • Influencing the perception of your organisation, its job roles or the sector - dispelling any unwanted stereotypes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an industry placement?

An industry placement is an opportunity for young people to engage themselves in a work situation at a real business or organisation. The young person will carry out a range of tasks or duties, similar to an employee, but with the emphasis placed on the learning aspect of the experience.

How long does the placement last?

Typically industry placements consist of a two or three-week block placement. Placements in some sectors, for example, Health & Social Care, may involve a series of shorter placements throughout the year which also total two or three weeks.

Will we have to pay participants?

No, you are not expected to pay young people undertaking work experience with your organisation. Some employers do make a contribution towards the cost of travel, however, this is optional.

Will I meet the young person before their placement?

Yes, an interview between you and the student will take place prior to the placement. The purpose of the interview is to ensure they are suitable for the placement you are offering. It also forms part of the overall experience for the student. The format of the interview is at your discretion.

What hours can the young person work?

Students should work a maximum of 37 hours per week or eight hours per day. Students are expected to work in-line with the Working Time Directive. 

What can I expect from a student at USP College?

You can expect them to be motivated and ready to learn. All participants are aged 16 or over and enrolled on a full-time Level 2 or Level 3 course at the college. Each young person has demonstrated a genuine interest in working in your sector by choosing to study a relevant vocational qualification.

Can we offer more than one placement?

Yes, certainly. We are happy to work with employers who can offer multiple placements to our students.