Industry Placements and FAQ's
See our webpage on our Lincoln College website for further information on Industry Placements
You can also find additional information regarding Industry Placements on our Libguides page
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
My child/young adult hasn’t had a good experience with work experience in the past — why would industry placements be any different?
Traditional work experience usually involves students working for just one or two weeks, often placed in a role or business that’s not very relevant to their studies and interest. The new industry placements will last a minimum of 45 days, and students will be placed within businesses relevant to their course, meaning they develop the skills they really need to progress in their field of study.
Will my child/young adult be making the tea and photocopying?
No! Industry placements are a big step above work experience. Students will work on projects that help them gain the experience they need to start their career.
“I find this new [industry] placement idea so much better than the standard work experience because you actually have something to show for it at the end, as well as great skills learned. These skills will be transferable, and in fact invaluable, to my future career.” - Student Feedback from 17/18 Pilot
But won’t this take them away from their studies?
No — the industry placement is designed to be an integral part of the course: their studies will prepare them for the placement, and the placement will add real value to their course. Our senior managers, curriculum leads and tutors will work closely with each other to ensure this is the case.
How can I be sure they will receive a good placement?
We will match your child with a business that is directly relevant to their course. We’ll ensure that the employer has relevant work for them, and provides a good standard of line management so they can receive the coaching and support needed to learn. The student will also be able to provide us with a list of preferences for which employers they’d most like to work with. This will be done in good time before the industry placement.
Will they get paid?
Industry placements are about providing students with high quality, meaningful training, not work. Therefore, students are not entitled to a salary as the placement is forming part of a course of further education. There is no legal requirement or expectation that T Level students will be paid. However, employers may pay the student should they wish to or support the student with their travel and subsistence costs.
What about their part-time job?
We’ll give plenty of notice of the placement start date, to allow them to change shifts if needed. Also, if their job is related to their course, we can work with them to see whether it would be appropriate to consider as their placement.
What does my child/young adult need to do?
- They must attend the placement.
- They will be accountable to a line manager at the workplace, who will expect them to meet professional standards in things like punctuality, communication and teamwork.
- They must adhere to all health and safety rules at the business.
- They’ll need to complete a log book during the placement, reflecting on their learning and development.
What checks will be done to make sure this is safe?
We will run due diligence on all employers for health and safety, insurance and safeguarding purposes.