Call for feedback on work placements

British Marine’s Training Manager, Blue Davies, has recently met with the training providers and colleges who supply marine training to our membership, to discuss their plans for the next academic year starting in September 2018. He has also continued his role on the Engineering & Manufacturing T level panel in the development of new qualifications.

One interesting issue to come out of this work is that there is a 45-day requirement for work placement throughout the two-year programme, so colleges and training providers will be looking to their local employers in order to fulfil this criteria. Work placement are typically around three months in duration and occupationally specific – focussed on developing practical and technical skills with an external employer in a real life working environment.

Placements should not be confused with work experience, which is generally understood to be more of a ‘work taster’ lasting 1-2 weeks and aimed at students gaining general employability skills.

Hence it can be seen that Work Placements require a structured approach and more commitment from the host employer.

The Training team is interested in learning more about member reaction to offering work placements, including:

• What are the common barriers / challenges in offering work placements?
• How can we support employers to offer work placements?
• How can we overcome these challenges?
• What financial incentives / support should we put in place – potential Employer Support Fund pilot?

Your responses will be gratefully received at Training@britishmarine.co.uk. If you are looking for a training provider or college, then please use the same email address and the team will be pleased to support you.

This story is from British Marine.