Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is renowned for its strong focus on employability and practical skills development. The university offers a wide range of placement opportunities designed to enhance students' career prospects, providing real-world experience that bridges the gap between academic study and professional life. With a dedicated Careers and Employability Service, LJMU ensures that students are well-prepared for the job market, boasting impressive graduate outcomes.

Placement Programs at LJMU

LJMU integrates placements into many of its undergraduate and postgraduate programs, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. These opportunities are available across various faculties, including Business, Engineering, Health, and Arts.

• Sandwich Placements: Many courses offer a one-year industrial placement between the second and final year of study. This 'sandwich' degree structure is particularly popular in engineering, business, and computing disciplines, where students work full-time for major employers.
• Internships and Short Placements: Shorter options, ranging from 4-12 weeks, are available during summer breaks or as part of elective modules. These are ideal for gaining initial exposure without committing to a full year.
• Study Abroad and International Placements: LJMU partners with universities worldwide for exchange programs that include work placements, fostering global employability skills.
• Voluntary and Community Placements: Opportunities in the third sector help students build transferable skills like leadership and teamwork, often leading to paid roles.

Popular courses with built-in placements include BSc (Hons) in Construction Management, BA (Hons) in Journalism, and MSc in Advanced Computer Science. Over 70% of LJMU students undertake some form of work experience before graduation.

Employability Statistics and Outcomes

LJMU consistently ranks highly for graduate employability. According to the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey (2022), 95% of LJMU graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation, surpassing the national average of 92%.

Faculty	Employment Rate (%)	Average Starting Salary (£)
Engineering and Technology	97%	28,000
Business and Management	94%	25,500
Health and Social Care	96%	26,000
Arts and Humanities	92%	23,000

These figures highlight LJMU's success in preparing students for high-demand sectors. Notably, the university's placement programs contribute to a 15% higher employment rate for participants compared to non-placement students.

Careers and Employability Support

The LMU Works careers service is at the heart of placement support, offering personalized guidance from the first year onward. Services include:

1. CV and Application Workshops: Tailored sessions to craft standout applications for placements.
2. Mock Interviews and Assessment Centres: Practice with industry professionals to build confidence.
3. Placement Portal: An online platform listing thousands of opportunities, updated daily by the university's employer network.
4. Mentoring Programs: Pairing with alumni and industry mentors for career advice.
5. Skills Development Events: From networking fairs to sector-specific talks, ensuring students are job-ready.

LJMU also runs the Employability Award, a scheme where students earn credits for extracurricular activities like placements, boosting their CVs and transcripts.

Partner Employers and Industry Links

LJMU has forged strong ties with over 1,000 employers, both local and international, ensuring diverse placement options. Key partners include:

• Local Giants: Everton FC, Liverpool City Council, and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust for sports, public sector, and healthcare placements.
• National Firms: Siemens, Unilever, and PwC, offering roles in engineering, marketing, and finance.
• Global Opportunities: Collaborations with NASA (via space studies programs) and international NGOs for cutting-edge experiences.

These partnerships often lead to graduate job offers, with 40% of placement students receiving permanent positions from their host employers.

Application Process and Tips

Securing a placement at LJMU is straightforward but competitive. Students should:

• Express interest early through their course tutor or the placement portal.
• Attend dedicated placement fairs held twice a year.
• Prepare a strong application, emphasizing relevant skills and enthusiasm.

Financial support is available via bursaries and paid placements, with many roles offering stipends up to £18,000 annually. International students can access visa guidance for UK-based opportunities.

In summary, LJMU's placement ecosystem not only enhances academic learning but also propels students toward fulfilling careers. By prioritizing practical experience, the university equips graduates with the resilience and expertise needed in today's dynamic job market.