Host a construction industry placement.
Help develop the future workforce while bringing fresh talent and ideas into your business.
Construction Industry Placements give Level 2 and Level 3 students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a real working environment while helping employers develop future talent. Whether you're a sole trader, SME or large organisation, we would love to hear from you.
What are industry placements?
Exeter College works with a wide range of employers across Devon to provide students with meaningful industry experience.
Industry placements give students the opportunity to:
- Develop practical skills and knowledge in a real work environment
- Gain valuable insight into their chosen industry
- Build confidence and workplace readiness
- Apply the skills they have learned at college
- Support their future progression into employment, an apprenticeship or further study
By hosting a placement, employers play an important role in helping students prepare for successful careers.
What does hosting a placement look like?
We are looking for employers of all sizes, from self-employed specialists to large organisations. Learners will complete a 3 week placement, but these can be arranged in a way that works for your business.
Placements can be arranged in a way that works for your business, including:
- Block placements
- Day-release placements
Before a placement begins, you will work closely with one of our Placement Officers to agree suitable activities and objectives for the learner. This may include:
- Workplace tasks and projects
- Knowledge and skills development
- Learning outcomes and goals
All employers hosting placements must comply with relevant health and safety, safeguarding and insurance requirements. In some cases, reasonable adjustments may be required to support learners with additional needs, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Support throughout the placement
We will work with you to create suitable placements for our learners and you. When learners start their placement, they will already have completed several months of college-based learning and workplace preparation.
This includes developing core employability skills and, where appropriate, industry-recognised qualifications – all learners will have completed a Level 1 Health & Safety qualification..
Throughout the placement, you will receive support from a dedicated Placement Officer who will:
- Guide you through the placement process
- Support learner progress and development
- Conduct review meetings
- Monitor attendance and engagement
- Act as your key point of contact
Claim financial support for hosting placement:
Essential costs for placements can be reimbursed through the Employer Support Fund. Our dedication Construction Placement Officers can support you through claiming up to £727 per learner that you support on a placement. Click here to find out more (link to guidance)
Please note that there are strict eligibility criteria to claim for essential costs, not every placement will be able to claim for financial support.
Benefits for your business:
Cost-effective recruitment
Industry Placements provide an opportunity to identify and nurture future talent, helping you build a pipeline of potential employees.
Fresh perspectives
Students bring new ideas, enthusiasm and different perspectives that can benefit your organisation.
Staff development
Supporting learners can help existing staff develop mentoring, coaching and leadership skills.
Strengthen community connections
Demonstrate your commitment to supporting young people and investing in the future workforce within your local community.
Interested in hosting a Construction Industry Placement?
Complete our short enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch to discuss how an Industry Placement could work within your organisation.