Getting Into Engineering
Engineering placements are a fantastic opportunity to get practical engineering experience, applying the theory of University to the technical requirements of the working world.
As placements become more and more popular university courses now offer sandwich options with a designated year on placement. However, 12 months isn’t the only route with opportunities ranging from a few weeks in the summer to the full 12 months.
Summer placements can be taken between any years of study, but the year-long placements are taken after the second year of a three-year course and the second or third year for a four-year course.
Students
As a student a placement offers you:
- A boost to your CV
- Paid work
- Interesting and challenging projects
- Opportunities to apply your learning
- A break from study
- Potential further training from your employer
- The chance to develop a network
Where to find placements:
- Your University careers network
- Websites such as:
- WES Jobs
- Gradcracker
- RateMyPlacement
- Attend careers fairs:
- WES Student conference
- EqualEngineers
- Finding Ada Online Recruitment fair
- Ask your network directly for either an opportunity or a contact
Still having problems finding a placement? Do get in touch with us and we can reach out to our members in your area to see if anyone can help you.
Engineering placements FAQ – read FAQ’s about placements written by students for students Login to members area.
Employers
As an employer, placement students offer you:
- Excellent employees without long-term commitment
- An opportunity to fill a temporary vacancy or get help with a project
- A chance to raise your profile on campus among a future graduate workforce
- Opportunities to develop links with the University, which may lead to joint research
- Access to high quality future graduates
Where to advertise placements:
- Advertise on WES Jobs, newsletter or journal
- Or get in touch with WES about being a Partner with access to a wide range of benefits whether you are a SME or a Global brand.
Apprenticeships
What are Apprenticeships?
As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis,
apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Anyone living in England, over 16 years-old and not in full-time education can apply for an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship, the apprentices’ ability and the industry sector.
Meet Kelly Hannah
Kelly Hannah is an Advanced Technical Apprentice from BAE Systems.
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