Industrial placement

Industrial placement

An industrial placement is an extended period of (usually paid) internship many major firms offer to undergraduate students. Students who enroll on industrial placements are usually required to do so as part of their degree course.

Typically industrial placements will last for a year (12 months, although they may last for less) and form the third year of a four year degree course. It is usually only four year degree courses that offer students a year working in industry. Generally speaking, it is usually vocational-based degree courses (such as Business, Marketing and Fashion) that offer industrial placement opportunities.

Although degrees may include the industrial placement year as part of their course, it is almost always the responsibility of the student to apply for and obtain the offer of a placement, although their tutors and careers advisers may assist them in their applications. Places on industrial placements are limited, particularly at the most well-known and respected firms such as Procter & Gamble and Uniliver.

Industrial placements are usually only offered by major FMCG, retail and marketing companies and by retail banks. City firms (including law firms, consulting firms, investment banks and accountancy firms) do not usually offer industrial placements, although they do offer shorter periods of internship.

Now see - Internships, The importance of Internships and Sandwich placements.