1. Supporting employers in providing quality work placements Strategies for developing quality work experiences through supporting providers of PSP student placements

2. Placements in PSP Non-vocational courses Recent accreditation flexibility allowed potential for work placements 2 nd Semester of 2 nd Year – Placement, Venture Matrix or 10 credit PD modules Placement comprises: 200 hours (25 hours over 8 weeks, locally agreed between student and placement) Organisation needs to: allocate a supervisor, set work tasks and terms for employment, complete an ‘employers report’ (Appraisal type document)

3. Placement experiences Two years in….. Gathered extra information, students & employers Employers are impressed by our students Students are generally very happy with placements Making links between work and discipline sometimes difficult Employers lack awareness of links to discipline Employers want to benefit from and help develop student skills but not sure which skills or how Employers didn’t always feel ‘ready’ for their students Projects/work tasks not clearly identified Student under/overburdened Retaining and revising

4. What have we learned….. Placements are working Students and employers appreciate them Work areas offered are appropriate Established strong partner networks Employers need support Identify work that will benefit the organisation Understanding the skills students will bring What work will develop students skills How to relate this to students’ disciplines

5. Confirmation contact Select general topic Allocated to placement Notified of allocation Orientation lecture Coursework submission Placement celebration Employer contact with PSP Student contact with PSP Points of contact in previous years

6. Staff visit/discussion Employers workshop Confirmation contact Provide placement brief Select general topic Allocated to placement Notified of allocation Orientation lecture Academic support/staff pool Coursework submission Departmental celebration Employer contact with PSP Student contact with PSP Points of contact for next academic year New points of contact with employers

7. Anticipated outcomes Better quality placements More skills development in students Greater retention of placement providers Easier recruitment of providers Improve partnership working in other areas

8. Thank you for listening Questions Discussion – sharing best practice