The University of West London

Careers and Employment Service

Employers
Work placements

The term 'placement' usually refers to a year spent in an employer organisation between the second and final year of a degree course.

These organisations may be in any area of business, commerce, manufacturing or the public sector.

Some employers offer shorter sandwich placements of four to six months and also vacation placements, usually involving two or three months work over the summer

What are the benefits for my business?

• Access to highly motivated and skilled undergraduates who are willing and eager to learn and make a worthwhile contribution to the employing organisation.
• the opportunity to transfer new ideas from universities to business
• the opportunity to influence and participate in the educational process.
• a fresh pair of eyes to help solve problems
• support during the recruitment process from University of West London's Placement Offices
• an opportunity to make early contact with future graduates.

When are students available for placement?

Undergraduate students on Business degrees are usually available for one-year work placements from June/July at the end of their second year of study.

Hospitality, Tourism and Airline students are available from February of their second year.

Postgraduate student availability varies depending on their course of study.

Salary

Students are normally paid by their employer during work placements. Pay is usually lower than, but related to, graduate salaries for the type of work undertaken.

University of West London's placement co-ordinators can provide advice on salary levels.

What support is available from the university during the placement year?

Each student is visited by a tutor in the work place during the placement period.

The mentor or supervisor within the company and the tutor discuss the progress and achievements of the student.

Can I employ an international student?

Yes you can employ international students on a full-time work placement if this is a mandatory requirement of the course they are studying. 

We will supply you with a letter stating that the student is required to undertake a work placement.