Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is renowned for its strong emphasis on employability and practical experience, offering a wide range of placement opportunities to enhance students' career prospects. With a commitment to bridging the gap between academia and the professional world, NTU integrates work placements into many of its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These placements, often lasting from six months to a full year, provide invaluable hands-on experience, helping students develop skills, build networks, and boost their CVs. Whether through sandwich degrees or optional internships, NTU ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the job market.

Types of Placement Opportunities

NTU offers diverse placement options tailored to various disciplines, ensuring students can gain relevant industry exposure. Key types include:

• Sandwich Placements: Integrated into degree programs, these typically involve a full year in industry between the second and final years of study. Popular in fields like business, engineering, and fashion.
• Internships and Short Placements: Flexible opportunities ranging from summer internships to part-time roles during term time, ideal for students seeking introductory experience.
• International Placements: Partnerships with global organizations allow students to work abroad, fostering cultural awareness and international career paths.
• Subject-Specific Placements: For example, in journalism, students undertake work experience at media outlets; in architecture, placements with leading firms provide real-world project involvement.

Many courses, such as those in the Nottingham Business School and the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, mandate placements, ensuring at least 50% of students complete one before graduation.

Employment Statistics and Graduate Outcomes

NTU's focus on placements yields impressive results. According to the latest Graduate Outcomes survey (2022/23), 95% of NTU graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, surpassing the national average. Placement students particularly excel, with 98% securing employment or postgraduate opportunities.

Here's a breakdown of key statistics:

Category	Percentage	Notes
Overall Employment Rate	95%	Within 15 months of graduation
Placement Participants' Employment	98%	Higher starting salaries on average
Graduate Starting Salary (Median)	£27,000	10% above UK average for similar institutions
Further Study Rate	12%	Includes funded PhDs and professional qualifications

These figures highlight NTU's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers. Sectors like finance, technology, and creative industries show the strongest outcomes, with placement alumni often progressing to senior roles faster than non-placement peers.

Support for Placements and Employability

NTU provides comprehensive support to maximize placement success. The University's Employability team, including dedicated placement officers, offers personalized guidance from the first year. Services include:

• CV and Interview Workshops: Tailored sessions to refine application materials and practice interview techniques.
• Placement Portal: An online platform listing thousands of opportunities, searchable by discipline and location.
• Mentoring Programs: Pairing students with industry professionals and alumni for advice and networking.
• Funding Assistance: Bursaries and travel support for placements, especially international ones, to remove financial barriers.
• Career Fairs and Events: Annual recruitment fairs attracting over 150 employers, such as Deloitte, BBC, and Rolls-Royce.

Additionally, NTU's Confucius Institute and partnerships with organizations like the NHS and local councils open doors to specialized placements in health, education, and public services.

Notable Employers and Industry Partnerships

NTU boasts strong ties with top employers across sectors. Students have secured placements with:

• Corporate Giants: Boots, Experian, and Capital One in business and finance.
• Creative and Media: Burberry, Channel 4, and The Guardian for fashion and journalism roles.
• Engineering and Tech: Siemens, IBM, and Jaguar Land Rover for innovative projects.
• Public Sector: Local authorities and the Civil Service for policy and community work.

These partnerships not only provide placements but also lead to graduate job offers, with over 70% of placement students receiving full-time positions from their host employers.

Student Success Stories

Real-world impact is evident in alumni achievements. For instance, Sarah Jenkins, a Business Management graduate, completed a placement at PwC, which led to a graduate scheme role and rapid promotion to manager within three years. Similarly, engineering student Tom Patel gained experience at Rolls-Royce during his sandwich year, crediting it for his current position as a design engineer.

In summary, NTU's placement programs are a cornerstone of its employability strategy, equipping students with practical skills and connections that propel them into thriving careers. By participating, students not only enhance their employability but also contribute to NTU's reputation as a top university for graduate outcomes. For more details, students are encouraged to contact the Employability team early in their studies.