Placements and schemes
University knowledge and expertise can often be tapped into very effectively through people. Schemes exist for both undergraduates and postgraduates to be placed within companies to carry out projects, for periods ranging from a couple of months to 3 years.
The STEP programme is a national scheme for project-based, short and medium term work placements. STEP places undergraduates into small and medium sized companies and community organisations to undertake a specific business or technical project driven by the needs of the host business, enabling them to develop their business through the recruitment of bright, intelligent and talented individuals. The students, in turn, develop invaluable personal and technical skills.
Longer-term, more in-depth research and development projects can be carried out within a company using the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships scheme. This Government-subsidised programme enables a company to tap into the expertise of a particular University department via a Research Associate, who works on a specific project within the company, to enhance the company's products or processes. These projects are carried out by postgraduates, and last from 12 months to 3 years.
Undergraduate student placements can also be arranged by establishing a direct link with University departments. Although many of the University's degree courses do not include a sandwich year with a company, all students can apply for a year placement and arrange with their department to suspend their study in order to do this. Alternatively, an undergraduate can work with a company during a vacation, which does not normally affect their coursework. If you are interested in pursuing such a possibility, you can either contact the relevant department directly or contact our Business Account Manager.
The University Careers Service maintains a searchable database of placement opportunities on its website at www.bris.ac.uk/careers/jobs/list/index.asp which is accessible to students on all degree programmes. Employers can submit details of their placements for inclusion on this site by using the online form at www.bris.ac.uk/careers/employers/vacancies.asp
Workshops on work experience, placements and internships are run throughout the year. These are designed and delivered in-house, with an invitation to company representatives to give an employer's viewpoint.
For further information about any of the above, please contact Jo Hutchings, Careers Adviser (email jo.hutchings@bristol.ac.uk, telephone 0117 928 8221) in the Careers Service.