As an employer, we understand the need for you to expand your workforce with enthusiastic young people who are keen to learn.
At East Durham College, many of our Level 2 and 3 programmes include Industry Placements – substantial periods of work experience where learners will work in your business, developing their practical and technical skills while learning from experienced staff members.
Why an Industry Placement?
Industry placements have been designed to help learners, when they have completed their course, to progress directly into employment, apprenticeships or further and higher education.
A meaningful industry placement will make a significant impact to a learner’s future employment prospects, giving them a head start and helping them to stand out from other applicants in the job market.
Learner Disciplines for Industry Placements
At East Durham College we have vocational programmes currently include industry placements in:
- Beauty
- Business
- Catering
- Electrical
- Engineering
- Hair
- IT
- Joinery
- Media
- Motor Vehicle
- Plumbing & Heating
- Travel & Tourism
Employer Commitment
As an employer, you can make a difference to a young person’s future.
We understand that you’ll have some questions about the placement, so here’s a summary of what’s expected of an employer:
Offer a long-term placement for a minimum of 50 days, generally completing one day a week with the option of a block placement.
Be prepared to commit to the learner’s training and development.
Have staff on hand who can act as mentors for the learner.
Learners on placement do not have to be paid a wage, although some employers do offer to cover travel expenses.
A young person who can bring enthusiasm and new ideas to your business.
In return, you may gain a potential future employee for your business, as well as supporting the learner to develop their knowledge, experience and employability skills.
East Durham College is also on hand throughout to support you, and the learner, during their placement.
Learner Standards During Their Placement
We expect all our learners during their placement to:
- Work towards objectives which will be defined in advance of the placement.
- Track their progress through a log book and have regular one-to-one meetings with their line manager and placement officer. This also includes attending necessary reviews.
- Meet professional standards and etiquette, and to abide by all rules regarding health and safety.
- Make sure that suitable arrangements are in place for them to be punctual to their placement on the days and times agreed in advance (including lunch and break timings)
- Be reliable.
If the learner is unable to attend work due to illness or any other reason, they will be expected to contact their line manager promptly.
Maintain a positive attitude, be open to learning and feedback, and ultimately make the most of the opportunity.
Could you Offer an Industry Placement?
If you’re interested in potentially offering an Industry Placement for a learner at East Durham College, please get in touch using the contact details below:
Please contact Industry Placements on: 0191 518 8318, email pamela.gordon-dixon@eastdurham.ac.uk or you can fill in our web form below to quickly submit your details.