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• 1st port of call - PDS system
• University of Ulster's Careers site
• Grad Ireland also advertise placement opportunities
• Target Jobs, Work Experience 2008
• The Belfast Telegraph / Irish News
• Your local newspapers
• Prospects
INTRODUCTION
Sandwich placement or co-operative education forms an integral part of many programmes of study at the University of Ulster.
Placement
• is a continuous period of work
• is normally 48 weeks in length
• occurs during the penultimate year of the course and must be completed by 30 September to allow entry to final year.
PARTIES INVOLVED
Placement represents a co-operative tripartite activity between the Student, the Employer and the University. The commitment of all three partners is vital for the success of the placement scheme.
The Student Should recognise his or her role as a representative of the University and be aware that the availability of future industrial placements may depend on the impression left by him or her.
The Employer Will nominate an industrial supervisor who will formulate a programme of work in consultation with the University placement tutor and the student. The supervisor will monitor progress of the student and complete assessment forms. The company supervisor will also notify the University of any problems, where necessary.
The University Will assist students to find placements where possible. The University will nominate a member of academic staff who will make periodic visits to monitor progress and liaise with the company supervisor. Members of staff will be available to assist with any problems which cannot be solved by discussion between the student and company supervisor.
PLACEMENT PROCESS
The ultimate responsibility for securing a suitable placement lies with the student but assistance and/or guidance will be provided by the Placement Officer. Each student must be fully committed to obtaining a placement appropriate to the course of study being followed and any such placement must be approved by the Placement Officer. A typical sequence of events in the placement process might be: An employer provides details of a placement opportunity to the Placement Tutor who brings it to the attention of the students. Applications from interested students are sent to the company who interview applicants (possibly after shortlisting). The company subsequently makes an offer to a student who MUST accept. A student should not normally contact companies without prior consultation with the Placement Officer. A student who fails to demonstrate commitment to the placement process (e.g. by non- cooperation in the interview process, rejection of a placement which is offered, or unsatisfactory performance during placement), may not be permitted to proceed on the course.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT
The Student should:
• understand the aims and objectives of the course and the industrial placement period of the course;
• attend all preparation for placement classes;
• provide a curriculum vitae/standard application form, as required;
• participate effectively in all subsequent placement interviews;
• not refuse a placement or withdraw from a placement without the permission of the placement officer;
• behave in a professional manner, complying with all company regulations and conditions of employment;
• carry out their placement activities diligently, and at all times, behave in a manner appropriate to the work environment;
• keep in contact with the placement officer throughout the placement officer and keep him/her fully informed of any difficulties or problems should they arise;
• complete the University assessments as required;
• be aware, both during and after placement of the confidential nature of any work being undertaken;
• be prepared to share their experiences with other students, who might be following on from them;
• recognise their role as a representative of the University, being aware that the availability of future industrial placements may depend on the impression left.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EMPLOYER
The Employer should:
• normally prepare a work programme in consultation with the student and the placement officer;
• nominate a supervisor for the student, who may provide regular guidance and feedback;
• induct the student into the workplace and continue to provide sufficient instruction to maximise effectiveness during placement;
• provide the student with training where required, so that he/she may carry out their duties competently and efficiently;
• arrange regular meetings with the student to discuss progress;
• monitor progress of the student, and complete assessment forms when appropriate;
• arrange access for the Academic tutor to visit the organisation periodically;
• notify the Placement Officer of any problems, where necessary.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY
The University should:
• normally agree a programme in consultation with the employer, the student and the placement officer;
• ensure that the placement is appropriate to the general and detailed course learning objectives;
• supply the employer with relevant academic and personal information on the student;
• visit the placement student on a periodic basis (normally twice in the year);
• notify the industrial supervisor and the placement student, in advance of any visits;
• discuss the role and progress of the student at these visits;
• ensure that the student is clear on how they will be assessed in order to proceed within the course and to gain the Diploma in Industrial Studies;
• maintain contact with the industrial supervisor;
• act as a mediator, if necessary.
SUPERVISION OF PLACEMENT
Supervision will be a responsibility shared between the employer and the University and will be under the control of: The Industrial Supervisor a supervisor nominated by the employer to monitor the student's progress and to formulate a provisional programme of work/learning contract. The Academic Tutor a member of academic staff, nominated by the University who will make periodic visits to monitor progress and liaise with the industrial supervisor.
The Placement Officer a University co-ordinator of placements who is the primary contact between the employer and placement student.
ASSESSMENT OF THE PLACEMENT
Successful completion of the placement period allows progression to the final year of the degree course and normally leads to the award of Diploma or Certificate in Industrial Studies, on graduation. The following may contribute to the assessment of the placement:
• Report from Industrial Supervisor (a pro-forma will be provided).
• Report from Academic Tutor.
• Students input -report and/or presentation or a placement based study, according to specific course regulations.
DIPLOMA IN INDUSTRIAL STUDIES (DIS) I CERTIFICATE IN INDUSTRIAL STUDIES (CIS)
As for modules of study, the placement year is formally assessed and an indication of performance may be disclosed to potential employers. A mark of at least 40% must be obtained to progress to the final year of the course; failure to achieve this mark may mean repeat of the industrial year or withdrawal from the course. A mark of at least 50% must be obtained to qualify for the award of the DIS/CIS. A commendation may be awarded if marks higher than 70% are obtained upon completion of the course. The award is made on graduation.
INCOME TAX The pay you receive during industrial placement is taxable. Your Tax Office or Students' Union Welfare Office can give you more details. You will also find Inland Revenue Leaflet IR60 entitled Income Tax and Students helpful.
NATIONAL INSURANCE
Most people who work must pay National Insurance contributions. Further information can be obtained from any of the following: The Contributions Unit Social Security Agency Lancashire House Linenhall Street Belfast Telephone: 028 9052 0520. Your local DSS Office. The Welfare Officer in the Students' Union. The Student Placement Officer in the Students' Union.
