Looking to offer engineering placements? We help employers recruit dedicated students in collaboration with Cardiff University's School of Engineering.
A cost-effective solution to recruiting new talent, our Year in Industry Scheme provides employers the opportunity to work with engineers supported by the renowned institution, Cardiff University's School of Engineering. Along with the ability to develop a relationship with Tutors and the University to influence their staff's learning, this scheme your company's opportunity to shape the next generation of engineers.
For students, our Year in Industry Scheme means a head start in their career, creating that vital connection between academia and real-world experiences, and with anecdotal evidence showing students who take a sandwich year achieving better results, we're here to ensure students have as many opportunities with employers as possible.
We currently match around 100 students to suitable employers each year from a range of engineering courses such as Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Integrated Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Medical Engineering.
If you would like to discuss recruiting and employing an engineering student during the next academic year, please get in touch with Year in Industry Coordinator, Sian Stocker.
Get in Touch
FAQs
What is the aim of the Year in Industry scheme?
A "Year in Industry" is a 12 month placement for undergraduates to gain practical knowledge in their chosen sector.
In the UK, less than 30% of students undertake work placements, this is significantly low in contrast with the European average of 55% and especially France 70% and Germany 80%.
Those employers who provide an opportunity for students to undertake a year in industry have a very positive attitude to the concept. Sandwich courses are widely respected by contractors, consulting engineers, manufacturers, health authorities, local authorities, government departments and professional bodies such as:
* The Institution of Civil Engineers
* The Institution of Engineering and Technology
* The Institution of Mechanical Engineers
* The Institution of Structural Engineers
* The Royal Aeronautic Society
Employers recognise the mutual benefits to be gained by giving students the chance to learn within a working environment before they graduate and begin their full-time careers. After graduating many students secure their first full-time employment as a result of their performance during a sandwich course training period. We often receive positive feedback from companies reporting that the students quickly adapt to their working environment and adopt high standard of professional behaviour. The manner in which they blend with their colleagues can make it easy to forget that they are still infact undergraduates.
Where supervised work experience is an integral part of an engineering degree course, it affords the opportunity to gain a more balanced perspective of the chosen profession.
How long is the year in industry placement?
Under normal circumstances, the placement should last a minimum of 48 weeks; however it can and often does last longer by mutual agreement between student and employer. It is recognised by the university that a flexible approach is sometimes necessary.
How are company placements advertised?
Once we receive your company's placement outline, to include a job description, details of the tasks the student undertake, personal qualities and qualifications required, salary, how to apply and any other information deemed relevant, the Year in Industry Coordinator will communicate the details of the proposed opportunity to all relevant students at Cardiff University's School of Engineering.
What is the student application process?
This is down to each company’s preference; students can send in a CV - with or without a covering letter - or an application form. Applications are then passed to studends via the Year in Industry Coordinator
What costs are involved?
There is no charge to the employer for our preparation, organisation and management of the placements and the subsequent monitoring and visits. The only charge to employers is the student's salary, with which we are able offer insight or suggestions.
When do placements take place?
Once students have attended a health, safety and welfare briefing and completed their second-year examinations, placements can start anytime between the end of the academic year (June/July) and the end of September.
Authority to Start Placement
Students must pass their previous year of study with an average of 50% or above to be allowed to proceed on an authorised university placement; the results are released in June/July. Shortly after the Placement Coordinator will distribute the “Authority to Start Placement” letters. This will be a scanned copy for employers and the original for the students.
