Engaging with SMEs, TSOs and Alternative Placement Providers

Not all students aspire to a placement with a global brand, household name or large organisation. For students studying some degrees, placements with an SME (small to medium sized organisation), in the 3rd sector or with social enterprises are attractive or, simply put, much more likely. However, such organisations may not have established placement programmes in place or opportunities readily available. They might not have considered hiring a student before, so there can be real challenges when reaching out to and engaging with this type of employer (and engaging students with such opportunities too). 

Within this participative staff development workshop participants will consider techniques for engaging with these organisations and explore different experiential learning models which best fit with this type of work. By examining the challenges and opportunities offered by working with this sector we will discuss how to support providers and attract students to apply as well as considering how we can adapt existing practice and processes, as appropriate, before, during and after the work based and placement learning experience.

There will be plentiful opportunities to interact with other delegates during the workshop, and to hear about, as well as share, good practice examples with fellow participants.