Buxton & Leek College value real world learning. We believe work experience will equip all of our students with vital workplace knowledge, behaviours, and skills to allow you to gain confidence in your chosen industry and prepare for the workplace or progression to further education.
All study programme students must take part in work experience or industry placements. Your tutor will be able to confirm which form of work experience is mandatory for your course.
Work Experience:
This is usually 1-2 weeks in length and will be a block placement or you will take part 1 day per week for a term. It’s really important you use this as it is a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills or to ‘test out’ your industry. The work experience team at Buxton & Leek College will support you to source a placement and they will ensure it is a safe environment for you to be in. The sooner you start thinking of ideas or carrying out research for your placement the better.
Industry Placements:
This year Buxton & Leek College are participating in a Government Scheme; piloting part of a new qualification called ‘T-Level’s’ this involves students, going on an Industry Placement. Some curriculum areas will be taking part in industry placements as a core part of the course.
Industry placements are being introduced by the Department for Education to give students the chance to put into practice the knowledge and technical skills they are learning as part of their course. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to take part in a new project.
An industry placement is an extended work experience placement that allows you to development significant skills and experience within an industry setting. The work experience team at Buxton & Leek College will support you to find and exciting and challenging placement that will give you the edge when looking for work after college or when applying for University.
An industry placement looks like this:
• Last for a minimum of 45 days
• Involve working towards targets set by the employer, the tutor, and yourself.
• You will have a line manager in the work place who will offer support.
• Your placement will relate to the industry and the subject you are studying.
This is a fantastic opportunity for you to put into practice the skills you are learning on your course and a great opportunity to develop employability skills.
If you have any questions please contact the work experience team on 01298 28324 or email placements@blc.ac.uk. We are based in Buxton and Leek and have regular lunchtime drop ins where you can seek support or ask any questions. We look forward to meeting you!
Which courses are taking part this academic year?
Childcare, Health & Social Care, Beauty, Hairdressing, Business, IT, Hospitality and Food & Beverage service.
Student FAQ’s
Are the Industry Placements paid?
Employers are not required to pay you to attend. If you need support with finance to travel to and from a placement we may be able to offer support through our bursary scheme. It is worth noting that many employers involved in the industry placements may be looking for apprentices or paid staff and impressing an employer could result in further paid work.
How do I arrange my industry placement?
The work placement team will be able to work with you and your tutor to find an industry placement, ensuring it is related to your course and relevant to your career goals. Please prepare and research some placement options before you meet with the work placement team.
Will I get a reference?
Employers will be asked to complete feedback after your time in placement. You will also complete a log book throughout your placement, this will record the skills you are developing and the tasks you have completed.
