Employer Handbook Placements
2 “Welcome to University College Birmingham and thank you for agreeing to work with us as one of our valued employers. We are delighted to have you on board and hope that our partnership will be both beneficial for your business and rewarding for our students.” Sara Chan Placements give young people, studying towards a college level qualification, practical experience directly related to their course. We believe this is essential to prepare them for the world of work. Employers play a key role in creating opportunities for young people in the local community. They help them to develop their technical and employability skills, build confidence at the start of their careers and support the growth of the local economy. There is no requirement for employers to pay students for their placement hours. All our students attend a number of employability workshops which help them prepare for placement. This handbook will provide you with information about our placement process, and explains your role and responsibilities, the support on offer and what is expected of University College Birmingham students. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need assistance with placements you can contact us: ✉ hired@ucb.ac.uk ☏ 0121 232 4153 Many thanks Sara Chan Director for Student Employability (Further Education)
3 Placement Duration Our placements range from 70 hours up to 750 hours, each course has different requirements. The structure of each student’s placement will be discussed with you before its commencement, so you are aware of their individual needs. Placement Timeline Placement Documentation Placement Agreement You will be asked to complete the Placement Agreement which includes an Employer Commitment Statement as part of your health and safety commitment, we cannot begin a placement until this is complete. Code Of Practice University College Birmingham’s Code of Practice for Work Placement sets out guidelines specifying the purpose of work placements and guidelines on placement practices for both employers and students. Student Attendance You will be asked to sign the student’s logbook/attendance card to confirm their weekly attendance. Before Placement • Receive and complete a placement agreement for each student • Receive and review this handbook including the Code of Practice During Placement • Induction/Training including Health & Safety • Confirm the student's weekly attendance • Support the students' development After Placement • Evaluation of the student's performance • Complete survey to help us continue to improve our services
4 Placement Management We find students achieve more when they are given encouragement and praise for their development. This section contains some suggestions on how we feel you can get the best out of the placement, so the experience benefits both you and the student. Employability Skills Whilst it is often apparent that a student’s specific industry skills and subject knowledge are enhanced by the completion of a placement, what is less obvious is the ‘Employability Skills’ they gain, these include: • Professionalism – Behaviour, attendance, and reliability • Results - Time management, attention to detail and independent working • Teamwork - Working relations, understanding their role and readiness to help and assist • Communication - Written and Verbal, Listening and Body Language • Responsibility – Listens to feedback, organisational skills and ownership of role/placement • Maths and English - Examples of communication (verbal/written) and use of numerical skills Before Placement • Review the Code of Practice (in this handbook) • Review the learning objectives (in the placement agreement form) • The employability tutor will confirm the length of the placement that the student is required to complete During placement • The student is given a full induction into your organisation including Health and Safety • The student is always supervised • Confirm the student’s attendance • Provide feedback After Placement • Students who you indicate as performing to an outstanding level will be presented with an Employability Certificate • Complete an evaluation form to feedback on your experience, as we are always looking to improve • If you are happy to, supply a reference for the student
5 Code of Practice for Work Placements Introduction This Code of Practice for work placement sets out guidelines specifying the purpose and expected practices for, University College Birmingham, the participating employer, and the student. It meets the requirements of good practice and guidelines identified by the relevant industry and sector bodies. Work placement is an important element of University College Birmingham programmes, as they provide students with the opportunity to develop practical skills, relate theory to practice and develop employability skills. The placement will also assist students in progressing towards a career in their chosen sector, and as such, it is important that students are given the opportunity to work in an organisation that is appropriate to their needs. A copy of this Code of Practice can be found on ProPortal under the Information and Induction section (Learner ILP) where you must confirm you have read it. Purpose of work placement • Provide opportunities for structured practical experience of the industry. • Enable students to develop employability skills, apply theory, reflect on their skills, self-awareness, confidence, maturity, and responsibility. • To help the future of the industries we support. University College Birmingham commitment • Ensure all parties are fully aware of placement requirements, including the importance of health and safety. • Provide the student with advice on placement practices and procedures and the demands of the industry they will work in to maximise their learning experience. • Upskilling students on industry relevant information including, Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Prevent. • Maintain regular contact with the student and the employer. • Provide the student with feedback on their performance in placement. • Support the student and the employer with any issues.
6 Employer commitment • Ensure Health and Safety requirements are met in the workplace. • Complete and submit all relevant placement documentation. • Provide the student with a Health and Safety induction at the start of their placement. • Provide opportunities in the workplace to enable the student to meet the learning outcomes. • Provide any training required to complete the placement. • Fully support students during their placement and provide feedback. • Inform University College Birmingham immediately of any non-attendance, disciplinary or Safeguarding issues. • Ensure students’ work hours are reasonable and consistent with work patterns of other staff. • Maintain regular contact with the student and University College Birmingham. Student commitment • To successfully complete their placement. • Engage fully in preparation for work placement including attending any relevant college sessions. • Take responsibility for their learning, professional behaviour, and appearance. • Be aware of individual responsibilities with regards to Health and Safety and Safeguarding, this includes raising concerns with your Employability Tutor and/or employer. • Follow all instructions and direction given. • Keep their Employability Tutor updated regarding progress on placement. • Act as an ambassador of University College Birmingham. • Take responsibility for the completion of logbooks and associated placement documentation. • Ensure excellent attendance and punctuality in placement and inform your Employability Tutor and employer if unable to attend. • Abide by all the employer’s rules, policies and procedures including Health and Safety, social media, and appropriate IT use. This may include the use of personal phones during work time.
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