Once you have successfully recruited a young person for the industry placement position, it is important to ensure the delivery is successful. This will be beneficial for both your council and the young person.
Delivering a successful industry placement
Prior to the placement start
Before the student starts the placement it is important to ensure all individuals are aware of the process. You may want to follow the following steps:
- Organise the start date and time – communicate to all relevant parties, including council staff, the student and the provider.
- Ensure council staff are aware of their responsibilities.
- Organise first day induction with the student (you may want to use the LGA’s ‘Induction checklist’ found below).
- Ensure the student understands the projects and tasks assigned to them.
More information about managing young people is available on the DfE website.
Progress reviews
It is important for you to complete progress reviews during the placement. This is key to their development, and to ensure the placement is beneficial to all. The student will meet with a member of staff from their provider during the placement, however, it is still important for you to complete reviews with the student.
Use the LGA’s progress review form to ensure meetings and actions are recorded.
More information about supporting industry placements is available on the DfE website.
Developing student’s employability skills
During the industry placement you may identify technical or soft skills that you would like the student to develop. It is important to discuss this during your one to ones with the student. You may want the student to focus on workplace skills. The Skills Builder Partnership includes free toolkits for embedding essential skills that can be utilised during the placement.
Supporting industry placement students with special educational needs and disabilities
Some students undertaking T Levels and the industry placement may have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It is important to support such students during their placement.
Support for councils
If a student has a special educational need and/or has a disability, their college or school will help you work out how you can best provide support.
A provider will have specialist support staff who may be able to advise on the best ways to tailor the industry placement. Working closely with your provider will ensure both you and your student are supported.
How providers can help
Providers will be able to support you and the student in a variety of ways, this could include:
- travel to and from the workplace
- special equipment or adaptations such as computer apps or programmes designed to provide specific support, ensuring information is available in an accessible format
- an independent mentor
- a job coach for students with more complex needs, providing full-time supervision to help them become more confident and proficient at work
- suggesting changes to work patterns or timing
- support from the student’s parents or carers
More information can be found on the DfE website.
At the end of the industry placement it is important for the student to receive feedback. This will have a positive impact on the student’s development. This could also be shared with the provider so they understand the student’s progress.
The LGA’s End of Placement Review can be used at the end of the industry placement.