Overview of Placements at University of South Wales

The University of South Wales (USW) is committed to enhancing student employability through robust placement opportunities. Placements form a core part of many undergraduate and postgraduate programs, allowing students to gain practical experience in their chosen fields. With a focus on real-world application, USW's placements bridge the gap between academic learning and professional careers, equipping students with essential skills and industry connections. Whether through integrated sandwich years or short-term internships, these opportunities are designed to boost confidence, CVs, and future job prospects.

USW boasts strong industry ties across sectors like engineering, business, health, and creative industries. The university's dedicated Careers and Employability Service supports students throughout the placement process, from application to evaluation. In recent years, over 80% of placement students reported improved employability skills, with many securing full-time roles post-graduation.

Types of Placement Opportunities

USW offers diverse placement options tailored to different academic levels and disciplines. These include:

• Sandwich Placements: A full academic year (typically the third year of a four-year degree) spent in industry. Ideal for gaining in-depth experience, these are common in engineering, computing, and business courses.
• Internships and Summer Placements: Shorter durations, often 8-12 weeks during holidays. These are flexible and available across faculties, including media, law, and social sciences.
• Integrated Work-Based Learning: Embedded modules within the curriculum that involve part-time work or projects with local employers. Postgraduate students can access research placements in areas like cybersecurity and environmental science.
• International Placements: Opportunities abroad through partnerships with global organizations, promoting cultural awareness and international career paths.

For example, in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, students on BSc (Hons) Software Engineering undertake a mandatory placement, often with tech firms like IBM or local startups. Similarly, nursing and midwifery programs include clinical placements in NHS trusts, ensuring compliance with professional standards.

Placement Support and Preparation

USW provides comprehensive support to maximize placement success. The process begins early in your studies with workshops on CV writing, interview techniques, and networking. Key services include:

• Placement Portal: An online platform listing vacancies, application deadlines, and employer profiles.
• Mentoring Programs: Personalized guidance from career advisors and alumni who have completed placements.
• Skills Development Sessions: Training in areas like project management, data analysis, and soft skills such as teamwork and communication.
• Funding Assistance: Bursaries and travel support for placements, especially those outside Wales, to ensure accessibility for all students.

Eligibility typically requires a minimum GPA and completion of prerequisite modules. Applications are competitive, so early engagement is advised. USW's Employability Award recognizes students who excel in placements, adding a valuable credential to their profiles.

Partner Employers and Industry Links

USW collaborates with a wide network of employers, from multinational corporations to SMEs. Notable partners include:

Sector	Example Employers	Placement Focus
Technology & Engineering	Thales UK, GE Aviation	Software development, aerospace projects
Business & Finance	HSBC, PwC	Marketing, financial analysis
Health & Social Care	NHS Wales, Care UK	Clinical practice, community health
Creative Industries	BBC Cymru Wales, Pinewood Studios	Film production, digital media

These partnerships ensure placements are relevant and aligned with industry needs. Students often work on live projects, contributing to real outcomes while building professional networks.

Outcomes and Success Statistics

Placements at USW yield impressive results. According to the latest Graduate Outcomes survey:

• 95% of placement participants are in employment or further study within six months of graduation.
• Placement students earn an average starting salary 15% higher than non-placement peers.
• Over 70% of placements lead to graduate job offers from the host employer.

Success stories abound: A business management student secured a role at Deloitte after a summer internship, while an engineering graduate launched a startup inspired by their placement innovation project. These experiences not only enhance technical skills but also foster resilience and adaptability in a competitive job market.

How to Get Started with Placements

To embark on a placement journey at USW, attend the annual Employability Fair in September, where over 100 employers recruit directly. Consult your course tutor for program-specific requirements and monitor the university's intranet for updates. Remember, placements are a stepping stone to career success—invest time in preparation to reap the rewards.

In summary, USW's placement programs are integral to its mission of producing work-ready graduates. By integrating theory with practice, the university empowers students to thrive in dynamic professional landscapes.