Placement Opportunities at York St John University

York St John University is committed to enhancing student employability through a comprehensive range of placement and work experience opportunities. Our dedicated Careers and Placements Team supports students from the first year through to graduation, ensuring that practical experience aligns with academic studies and career aspirations. With a focus on real-world application, placements at York St John help bridge the gap between theory and practice, boosting confidence and skills in a professional environment.

Key Features of Our Placement Support

The university offers tailored placement programs across various disciplines, including education, business, health, and the creative arts. Placements are integral to many degree courses, providing hands-on experience that can last from a few weeks to a full academic year. Our approach emphasizes quality over quantity, partnering with reputable organizations to ensure meaningful contributions and skill development.

• Personalized Guidance: One-on-one advice from career advisors to identify suitable placements based on your interests and career goals.
• Extensive Network: Collaborations with over 500 local, national, and international employers, including NHS trusts, major corporations like Nestlé, and community organizations.
• Skill-Building Workshops: Sessions on CV writing, interview techniques, and networking to prepare students for placement applications.
• International Options: Opportunities for overseas placements through partnerships with universities in Europe, Asia, and beyond, supported by funding from schemes like Erasmus+.

Placement Integration in Degree Programs

Many undergraduate and postgraduate courses at York St John incorporate mandatory or optional placements. For instance:

• Education and Teaching: Student teachers undertake school-based placements from year one, culminating in extended periods in primary or secondary settings.
• Business and Management: Year-long sandwich placements in industries like finance, marketing, and retail, often leading to graduate job offers.
• Health and Social Care: Clinical placements in hospitals, clinics, and community health roles, supervised by qualified professionals.
• Creative Industries: Internships with media companies, theatres, and design studios to build portfolios and industry connections.

Postgraduate students benefit from short-term placements or research projects that enhance their specialist knowledge. The university's Placement Office assists in securing these opportunities, with a success rate of over 95% for students actively seeking placements.

Graduate Outcomes and Employability Statistics

York St John University boasts strong graduate employability, with data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) highlighting impressive results. In the latest Graduate Outcomes survey (2022/23), 92% of graduates were in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating, surpassing the national average.

Category	Percentage Employed	Key Sectors
Overall Graduates	92%	Education, Health, Business
Business School	94%	Finance, Marketing, Retail
Health & Life Sciences	96%	NHS, Social Care, Therapy
Arts & Humanities	88%	Media, Publishing, Creative Services

These figures reflect the impact of placements, as 78% of placement students report improved job prospects compared to non-placement peers. Alumni often secure roles with placement hosts, with average starting salaries around £25,000–£30,000, depending on the field.

How to Access Placement Opportunities

Getting started is straightforward. First-year students can attend introductory careers fairs and taster sessions. From year two, apply through the university's online portal, where vacancies are posted regularly. The Employability Award scheme rewards students who complete placements with certificates and enhanced CV entries.

1. Register with the Careers Team: Attend an initial consultation to discuss your preferences.
2. Search and Apply: Browse opportunities on the dedicated job board and submit applications with support from advisors.
3. Prepare and Undertake: Receive pre-placement training and ongoing support during your experience.
4. Reflect and Leverage: Debrief sessions help translate experiences into future career steps.

Financial support is available, including bursaries for travel and a placement salary guarantee for eligible programs. York St John also prioritizes inclusivity, offering adapted placements for students with disabilities.

Success Stories and Testimonials

Our placements have transformed lives. Take Sarah, a Business Management student who secured a marketing placement at a York-based firm: "The experience gave me real insights and a job offer before graduation—York St John made it possible." Similarly, in nursing, Tom completed hospital shifts that directly led to his NHS role: "Hands-on practice built my confidence immensely."

In summary, placements at York St John University are a cornerstone of our student experience, fostering professional growth and opening doors to rewarding careers. Whether you're aiming for local impact or global opportunities, our support ensures you're placement-ready from day one.