Work placements for Students
Our unrivalled links with employers, both local and national, enable us to offer placements in a wide range of industries and environments. At every level, our students are given the opportunity to complete a minimum of 30 hours of work experience, with some Level 2/3 students undertaking 45-day industry placements.
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Work placements for Students
We aim to provide all study programme students with at least 30 hours of work placement and many courses exceed this during the year. Our broad range of courses means we offer work experience in almost every sector and industry, from marine engineering to marketing.
City of Portsmouth College is also just one of 21 colleges across England selected to trial the 45-day industry placements and has placed students across a range of sectors. Students combine the placements with their studies to put into practice many of the skills taught in the classroom. The placements not only develop your employability skills but build your confidence and look great on your university application or CV.
A great opportunity to learn about a job, industry or area of work
Finding your work placement can be a great character-building experience. It's ok if you don't have any ideas about what you want to do yet
We can help
When looking for a placement, it's best to try and find something similar to the job or career you want to pursue. This will be the same sector or industry as your chosen course.
Ask your family and friends
They (or someone they know) may work somewhere of interest to you or in a place of business that's relevant to your course. Ask if they would consider you for a work placement – this will help to build your confidence.
Contact a business directly
If there is already an organisation or company that interests you, do a web search and see if you can find their contact details.
Search your local area
Keep a keen eye out for potential placement providers when you are on your way to College or out and about. You can also find employers in your local area by looking on sites such as www.yell.com or by using Google Maps.
Be willing to travel
To find a placement you may need to travel to other areas and not just where you live. This will give you more choice and open other opportunities.
Update your CV
An employer may request this before they offer you a work placement. If you need more information, contact your placement coordinator by emailing workexperience@copc.ac.uk
Construction Placement Fund
Employers who provide industry placements for learners studying Level 2 or Level 3 construction qualifications can now claim £727 per student through the Construction Placement Fund.
Construction industry placements must be a minimum of three weeks in duration and provide learners with valuable, real-world experience while helping employers develop future talent.
What can the funding be used for?
Costs associated with hosting a learner
- Administration and Placement Support
- Setting up and coordinating placements
- Supporting learners throughout their placement
- Providing workspace and facilities
Staff Time
Employers can claim for staff time spent:
- Planning and organising placements
- Supervising and mentoring learners
- Reviewing and evaluating learner performance
Equipment and Resources
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety boots and high-visibility clothing
- Uniforms and workwear
- Security passes
- Software licences
- Materials and supplies required for the placement
Training
- Specialist courses or certifications for learners
- Mandatory training for staff, such as safeguarding
How to Apply
All funding claims must be submitted using the Employer Support Fund Employer Declaration Form. (can we add in the link for this? or have it as a downloadable PDF?) For more information or support, please contact: cpfund@copc.ac.uk
If your organisation is interested in offering a construction industry placement, we would be pleased to hear from you and discuss how we can support your involvement.
