Work and industry placements are crucial in bridging the gap between education and employment. They offer a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop essential skills, and make informed career decisions. We are excited to help you secure valuable work experience to enhance your career readiness, and we encourage you to take full advantage of the resources and support available through our Employer Engagement team.
Understand how to find suitable employers that match your career objectives. Use the information in "Getting Started" to help you complete this.
Download our tracker template to keep track of your interactions. This will help you know where you're at with each employer you contact.
Submit details of the employers you are engaging with to the Employer Engagement Team.
Click/tap on the sections below for more information.
Embarking on the journey to secure a work placement can seem daunting, but with the right approach and resources, you’ll find it both manageable and rewarding. Follow these steps to get started: Finding the right employer for your work placement is the first step. Begin by thinking about industries and companies that interest you. Consider your career aspirations and how a placement in a particular field could benefit your future. Research local businesses, large corporations, non-profits, and even small start-ups. Here are some tips to help you identify potential employers: Once you’ve identified potential employers, the next step is to research them thoroughly. Understanding a company’s background, values, and what they’re looking for in a placement student can give you a significant advantage. This research will also help you tailor your applications and demonstrate genuine interest. You will need a well-crafted cover letter and CV to apply for placements. Use the templates provided on this page to get started. Make sure to personalise each application to reflect the specific company and role you are applying for. Reaching out to potential employers can be daunting, but with a well-crafted approach, you can make a positive impression. Here are some best practices: Always be professional and polite. If an employer is interested, they may invite you for an interview (see the FAQs for information on staying safe). Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your skills and enthusiasm. If you hear back from an employer, send a thank-you email. If you are offered a placement, reiterate your interest in the position and your appreciation for the opportunity. Confirm that further details and any necessary paperwork will be sent by the College. Provide information about this opportunity to the College by completing the Placement Preparation Form. These templates will give you a solid starting point for your communications with potential employers, helping you to present yourself professionally and effectively. Feel free to modify them or visit the links to get more advice and guidance on personalising your communications. Note: If you need to provide a postal address, use the college's address: [Your Name] Dear [Employer’s Name], I am writing to express my interest in a work placement opportunity with [Company Name]. As a [Your Course] student at Newbury College, I am keen to gain practical experience in [industry/field of interest], and I believe that your company offers the perfect environment for me to develop my skills and knowledge. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of [specific reason related to the company, e.g., "your innovative approach to sustainability"]. My studies will provide me with a strong foundation in relevant sector skills and knowledge, and I am eager to apply this in a real-world setting. I am a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with strong [relevant skills, e.g., "communication and teamwork abilities"]. I am confident that my proactive attitude and eagerness to learn will make me a valuable addition to your team. I am happy to provide any further information you may require. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely, [Your Name] Subject: Work Placement Opportunity Dear [Employer’s Name], I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am studying [Your Course] at Newbury College. I am writing to enquire about the possibility of a work placement opportunity with [Company Name]. I am particularly interested in [specific area/department] within your company because [reason why you are interested in this company]. I believe that the skills and knowledge I have and will gain during my studies would allow me to contribute effectively to your team. Attached is my CV for your consideration. I would be delighted to discuss any potential opportunities further and can be available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, [Your Name] Subject: Follow-Up on Work Placement Enquiry Dear [Employer’s Name], I hope you are well. I am writing to follow up on my previous email regarding the possibility of a work placement at [Company Name]. I am very keen to gain experience in [industry/field of interest] and believe that your company is an excellent fit for my aspirations. I understand you may have a busy schedule, but I would greatly appreciate any opportunity to discuss this further. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide. Thank you for your time and consideration. Kind regards, [Your Name] Work and industry placements are essential for preparing you for your future career. They provide invaluable experience, enhance employability, build professional networks, and develop skills crucial for success in the job market. Work placements provide hands-on experience in a real work environment. This practical exposure helps you apply theoretical knowledge from the classroom to real-life scenarios, enhancing your understanding and skills. Having work experience on a CV makes you more attractive to potential employers. It demonstrates that you have already been exposed to the workplace, understand professional dynamics, and have practical skills that can be immediately applied. Placements offer an excellent opportunity to network with industry professionals. These connections can be valuable for future job searches, references, and insights into the field. Networking can also open doors to job opportunities that might not be advertised publicly. Through industry placements, you can better understand your chosen field. This exposure can help you identify specific areas of interest within the field. Work placements help develop a range of important PPD skills that are highly valued by employers. These include: Engaging in a work placement can improve your college performance. The practical experience gained can provide context to theory-based sessions, making learning more relevant and engaging. Successfully completing a work placement can significantly boost your confidence. It provides a sense of accomplishment and reassurance that you can thrive in a professional setting. This confidence is beneficial for future job searches and career progression. Many employers use work placements to identify and recruit potential employees. Students who perform well during their placements may receive job offers or be considered for future openings. Even if a job offer is not made, the experience gained and references provided can be invaluable in the job market. Work placements expose you to the culture and environment of a workplace. Understanding organisational culture, norms, and values is important for smoothly integrating into future job roles and becoming a productive team member. For many courses, work experience is a mandatory component. Completing these placements is essential for fulfilling academic requirements and graduating successfully. Your safety is our top priority. As you embark on this project to secure a work placement, it’s essential to stay safe and be aware of the potential risks. Here are some important safeguarding tips and guidelines to follow when contacting employers: Always let your parents or guardians know which employers you are contacting and keep them updated on your progress. If you’re unsure about any step in the process, talk to a member of the Employer Engagement Team. They are here to help and support you. Only provide the necessary information, such as your name, college, and email address. Avoid sharing your home address, personal phone number, or any sensitive information. Use your College email account (if you have one). This ensures that your communications are monitored and secure. Where possible, use our resources, such as templates and guides, to ensure your approach is professional and safe. When first contacting an employer, use email or official company contact forms. Avoid using personal social media accounts or informal communication methods. If you need to provide a postal address, use the college's address: [Your Name] Before contacting a company, thoroughly research it. Check its official website and look for reviews or feedback from previous employees or work placement students. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a company, ask a member of the Employer Engagement Team to help verify the employer. An employer may want to meet you. Interviews should ideally take place at the employer’s office or in a formal business setting. Having a parent or guardian accompany you to any in-person interviews is best, but at the very least, you should inform your parents or guardians about the interview details, including who you are meeting the time, and the place. If the interview is online, ensure you are in a safe, public part of your home where others are around. If you encounter any inappropriate behaviour or feel unsafe at any point, do not hesitate to speak up. Report any concerns to your parents, guardians, or a member of the Employer Engagement Team. We have safeguarding procedures in place to protect and support you. Q: How do I choose the right company for my placement? Q: What should I do if I don’t get any responses? Q: How long should my cover letter and CV be? Q: What should I do if an employer asks for personal information? Q: How can I verify that an employer is legitimate? Q: What should I wear to an interview? Q: What should I do if I feel uncomfortable during an interview or conversation with an employer?
1. Identify potential employers
2. Research companies
3. Prepare your application materials
4. Make contact
5. Follow up and confirm
CV and Cover letter Templates
c/o Employer Engagement Team
Newbury College
Monks Lane
Newbury. RG14 7TD
[Your Contact Information]Sample email templates
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Contact Information]Practical experience
Enhancing employability
Building Professional Networks
Gaining insights into the industry
Developing PPD skills
Improving course performance
Increasing confidence
Enhancing job prospects
Understanding workplace culture
Meeting course requirements
Inform your parents/guardians
Limit personal details
c/o Employer Engagement Team
Newbury College
Monks Lane
Newbury. RG14 7TDVerify employers
Meeting employers
Report concerns
A: Think about your career goals and interests. Choose companies that align with these and where you think you can learn and grow the most.
A: Don’t get discouraged. Follow up with a polite reminder and consider widening your search to include more companies or different industries.
A: Your cover letter should be no more than one page, and your CV should ideally be one to two pages, highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences.
A: Be cautious about sharing personal information. Employers should not need details such as your home address, financial information, or any sensitive personal data at the initial contact stage. If you are unsure, consult a member of the Employer Engagement Team or a parent before responding.
A: Research the company thoroughly. Check its official website, look for reviews or news articles about it, and verify its contact information. If something feels off or you are unsure about an employer's legitimacy, seek advice from the Employer Engagement Team or a parent.
A: Dress smartly and appropriately for the industry. When in doubt, opt for business casual attire.
A: If you feel uncomfortable at any point, politely end the conversation or interview. Inform your parents and a member of the Employer Engagement Team immediately about your concerns.