Work placements

Taking on work placement students is a great way for employers to discover new talent. 

Our students bring fresh ideas, energy, and up-to-date knowledge from their studies. They can help with projects, support your team, and offer a new perspective on how things are done.

Placements also give you a chance to see how someone works before hiring them. It’s a low-risk way to find future employees who already understand your business. Many companies find that students who do well during placements become excellent full-time staff later on. By offering placements to our students, you also build stronger links with Nottingham College and the local community. Highlighting that your company really cares about helping young people grow and succeed, and boosting your reputation as a supportive and forward-thinking employer.

Sectors we work with include:

• Business and Marketing
• Catering and Hospitality
• Engineering
• IT and Administration
• Automotive
• Science
• Sport

• Travel and Tourism
• Media and Photography
• Art and Fashion
• Performing Arts
• Hair and Beauty
• Construction
• Plus many more!

We have 30-hour work placements that many of our students are required to complete as part of their course. By taking on one of our students, you’ll not only support their professional growth but also benefit from fresh ideas and enthusiasm in your workplace. Interested? Talk to our Work Placement team today!

This is alongside our more targeted T level Industry Placements, which can provide 315+ hours of support for your business. These extended placements see our excellent T level students supporting businesses in their chosen industry and can provide real benefits over a longer period of time. Find out how businesses we work with have found taking on a T Level placement here.

We also offer smaller Industry Activities, these are different from the standard work experience and T level placements, and provide insights into the work environment through industry professionals. These activities could include anything from an industry masterclass to Virtual experiences and Skills Competitions. Talk to our work placement team to find out more.

Key considerations before hosting a student 

Mentorship - Before welcoming a student, please identify a suitable mentor within your organisation. This individual will play a key role in guiding the student and helping them integrate into the workplace. While placements are a valuable learning opportunity for students, we aim to ensure they also contribute positively to your business.

Compliance - To ensure a safe and compliant placement experience for all learners, we carry out routine, randomly selected on‑site Health & Safety checks with our employer partners. You may want to consider reviewing any risk assessments, to ensure they cover any young persons being on site, as the student’s responsibility will fall under your insurance and policies whilst on site.

Location - Work placements for our students can take place on companies’ premises, online or in classroom, depending on the type of activities set in placement. T Level students are expected to complete at least 75% of their placement hours on‑site at the employer’s premises. Depending on the qualification, up to 25% of the placement may be completed remotely or at college.

Targets - Each student will work towards six personalised development targets for their course that can be integrated into their placement. These targets are shaped by employer feedback, focusing on the key skills and attributes that are essential for future success in the workplace. They are designed to help students grow in areas that matter most to industry, ensuring their placement experience is both meaningful and career focused. For T Levels each student will work towards six personalised development targets - three professional and three personals. These are tailored to support their growth and are reviewed throughout the placement. These are reviewed and progress updated with the employer during the placement.

Preparing for your student's arrival 

Induction - Please provide a brief induction covering key information such as fire safety procedures, health & safety, and team introductions. This helps set expectations and ensures the student feels welcomed. For T Level students, there is a more formalised induction form to complete.

Support needs - If a student has any learning difficulties or medical requirements, you will be informed prior to the placement start.

Hours logging - Students will log their hours on Navigate, which you’ll be asked to verify.

Progress reviews - Each placement includes three review meetings ‑ initial, mid‑point, and final ‑ to assess progress against the student’s targets.