are an integral part of all full-time study programmes at the College; they are an exciting opportunity to develop your industry skills and knowledge for your future.
You will have a dedicated Placement Officer who will support you throughout the placement process, based in the Careers Hub on your Campus.
Find more information below about the benefits of work experience, our top tips for finding a placement and the answers to questions you may have about the process.
If you have any more queries or for further support, contact the Work Placement Team at workexperience@wiltshire.ac.uk.
Chloe Buxton
Health & Social Care
- Experience working in a real industry environment
- Good opportunity to network: you might get an apprenticeship or paid employment as a result
- Gain confidence in your existing skills and learn new ones
- Demonstrate to future employers that you are willing to learn and are work ready
- It can help you with your course: you can use real examples from your work experience or placement
- Ask friends and family for someone to contact
- Lecturers, careers advisors and your placement officer may know of opportunities
- Read local guides such as Denton’s Directory or your local directory and local newspapers
- Look at job vacancies for part-time staff. You may get a work experience trial which could lead to a job!
- Use the internet to search for local companies offering the kind of work you want
- Some company websites have a section to apply for work experience or for voluntary work
- Stay positive: if you get turned down, keep looking!
Adam Harvey
Engineering
You will use an online platform called Grofar to record all the hours and experiences you achieve during your work placement. Your Grofar account is your‘virtual workbook’ and is where you will need to log all your hours, experiences and assessments throughout the year. This virtual workbook is your evidence of completing your placement, so it is important you complete this. Your Placement Officer will support you with Grofar during tutorial sessions: if you have any questions just drop into your campus Careers Hub to find them.
Click the link for a simple guide to Grofar.
Find answers to commonly asked questions about Work Experience and Industry Placements below.
What is Work Experience?
Work Experience covers a range of activities which students can get involved in to support their College learning and develop industry and employability skills. These activities could range from attending a work placement with a local employer to working on community projects.
What are Industry Placements?
Industry placements are now a key part of College study programmes. With 315 hours of placement built into your course, you’ll have the opportunity to develop industry and employability skills in a real working environment, helping to prepare you for the next step towards employment or further study.
How are placements arranged?
You’ll be encouraged to source your own industry placement, allowing you to practice searching for a job, interview skills and getting there yourself. The Work Placement Team also work closely with local employers to generate opportunities.
What do I need to do?
Trying to find your own placement is the first step. Always keep your Placement Officer up to date - why not pop into your campus Careers Hub and have a chat with them!
What support is available?
The Work Placement Team will visit your tutorial sessions to prepare you for your placement. Your dedicated Placement Officer will also be on hand to support and guide you through the placement process. The Placement Team works with employers, students and sometimes parents to make sure any needs are met, adjustments are put in place if necessary and to monitor placements to make sure things run smoothly.
