Through a placement, learners can develop:

• Timekeeping and reliability
• Professional appearance and conduct
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Confidence and experience to support future employment or further study

These skills not only help students succeed in their course but also prepare them for life beyond college.

How We Support Students

Our Work Experience Team works closely with curriculum staff to guide every student through a work placement preparation programme. This includes:

• Understanding health and safety, safeguarding, and workplace behaviour
• Building employability skills alongside the curriculum
• Support in finding and securing a suitable placement

This ensures students are fully prepared to make the most of their placement and represent themselves – and the college – professionally.

Managing Placements with Connect

This year, Stoke on Trent College is using Connect, a dedicated system for managing work placements.

• Students can log in through ConnectED (available on the App Store and Google Play).
• Student accounts should include relevant health and welfare details, such as next of kin.
• Employers benefit from a straightforward process, with placement details and verification managed by the college.

Students will be introduced to Connect during a tutorial led by the Work Experience Coordinator.

Placement Hours

The number of hours required for a placement depends on the course:

• Most short-term placements are around 35 hours (the equivalent of one week, or one day a week spread across several weeks).
• T Level industry placements are significantly longer, requiring 315 hours (approximately 45 days) to meet course requirements.

As requirements vary by course, students should always confirm their placement hours with their personal tutor.

Placement Process

Before the Placement

• Students register on Connect and set up their account.
• Placement preferences and employer details are added.
• The Work Experience Team verifies placements with employers and completes health and safety checks and risk assessments.
• Students will be given a placement workbook and should familiarise themselves with the document.
• Employers will be sent an Employer Handbook, outlining all of the information and expectations required of a placement provider.

During the Placement

• Students attend their placement and should be given a Day 1 induction by the employer.
• While on placement, students should demonstrate employability skills such as reliability, teamwork, and communication.
• The Work Experience Team will visit or contact the employer to monitor progress.

After the Placement

• Students complete a feedback questionnaire.
• Employers provide feedback on the student’s performance.
• A certificate is awarded to the student to recognise their achievement.

Information for Parents and Employers

• Parents: If you have any further questions, we recommend contacting the Work Experience Team directly.
• Employers: Hosting a placement is a chance to gain an extra pair of hands, meet potential future employees, and inspire the next generation. To learn more about how placements work and the benefits for your organisation, please contact our team.