1. School of Legal Studies and School of Computing and IT “An evaluation of work experience and placements provision”

2. Work experience / placements - SLS Key aspect of Employability Lecturer role is work placements and work experience Key aspect of School business plan Target for every student to complete a placement / work experience Introduction of modules at every level of the degree Strong links already made with Citizens Advice Bureau

3. Work experience placements – SCIT Provision of over 3,000 placement opportunities for our students. Development of interpersonal skills by delivering workshops. Drop in Centre – where students can discuss placement issues. Links with employers throughout the UK

4. Some research Recognition of the benefits of work experience (Thomas and Jones, 2007 and Harvey et al 1997) Personal skills development (Little and Harvey, 2006) Employers value placements (Bennett et al, 2008) Tutors report increase in skills (Little and Harvey, 2006 Much of the research focuses on longer term placements. However, SLS students often undertake short term experience

5. SLS project To gain an understanding of students’ experiences, perceptions, to enhance provision/opportunities/support etc Online questionnaire using surveyor Ethical approval gained Posters displayed and book tokens as an incentive Link emailed to all students

6. The findings 69 students completed the survey 38 students completed work experience / placement 31 had not completed placement / work experience 12 students completed more than one placement Almost half of the students volunteered in solicitors’ offices or barristers chambers The other half of the students volunteering with the CAB or other voluntary organisations

7. Student feedback The majority completed a placement because it would help them with their work / to gain some real life experience Two thirds agreed that they completed a placement because the School said it would be useful – Message being successfully disseminated! Students did not agree that they were unable to undertake a placement outside of term time Those who did not complete a placement said they did not have the time or that they were not successful in securing a placement More work needs to be done with these students to assess why – CV / letters inappropriate? – Targeting inappropriate organisations?

8. Skills development The vast majority of students felt that they had developed new skills as a result of their work experience / placement Improvement in communication, presentation, team working, negotiation skills The majority of students felt their confidence had increased

9. SCIT Previous Research In August 2006 a survey was carried out by the Employability and Placement Unit 102 students were targeted, 87 replied 39 went straight into employment. 15 back to the placement provider 24 students were still looking for employment 14 students were still to complete 6 students were going onto further study 4 students were self employed

10. Research 2009 research into the value of the placement experience Targeting all students from all courses. Targeting industry

11. SCIT Research Student Numbers Student preparation Website v board Employer engagement Feedback, reflection both from the student and employer.

12. Conclusions Students do believe there are ‘employability’ benefits to be gained as a result of placements / work experience Work needs to be done to help remove the barriers Embed employability with the curriculum Provide students with vital opportunity to reflect on work placements (Smith et al, 2007, Thomas and Jones, 2007) Thomas and Jones (2007) ‘student life cycle’