Springboard is a flexible work experience programme matching talented Business & Computing Students with short term roles and work experience opportunities in and around Worcestershire and the West Midlands.
As an employer, recruiting one of our students enables you to tap into a new pool of talent that can make a real impact on your business and improve performance. Students bring enthusiasm, fresh ideas, up to-date knowledge and research capabilities to your organisation. Students can also provide a cost-effective solution to short term recruitment needs, or take on one-off projects that other staff may not have the time to do.
Local employer, Martin Hanney, discusses the benefits of the Springboard programme.
Peter Francis, Engineering Director at MAT Ltd, talks about how the University selects students and graduates to fit their environment, understand their core values and represent the company in a positive light.
What sort of jobs can students do?
Our students are equipped to take on a wide range of roles within a variety of organisations and business functions. Depending upon their degree specialism, our students can work within:
- Marketing
- Advertising & PR
- Events
- Social Media
- Finance & Accounting
- Data Analytics
- Human Resources
- Business Administration
- Project Management
- Business IT
- Software Development
- Web Development
- Business Systems and IT
In addition to their specific subject knowledge, all of our students have IT skills and many have language skills. Some students will have already completed a year in an industry placement.
How does it work?
- Springboard is a versatile programme that will match suitable students from all year groups and degree subjects, including recent graduates, with your short-term or part-time role
- Springboard Projects should be paid (minimum wage +) but voluntary roles will be considered on a case by case basis
- Students are available to work up to 20 hrs per week, remotely or in the office
- The student should become fully involved with the work of your organisation as a valued and respected employee
- The role should offer students a range of situations which will assist in the development of practical and personal skills
- The employer will provide a clear role for the placement student with real work, giving them their own responsibilities
- The employer will comply with legislation, such as liability insurance and health and safety policies
Mable, a student at the University of Worcester, discusses her marketing and social media role within the Springboard programme.
Louis, a Marketing & Advertising and PR student, talks about the variety of roles he has been involved with at MATL, Worcester and the opportunities to enhance his personal and professional development as part of the Springboard programme.
“Springboard has been a fantastic way for students like me to gain work experience relevant to my degree without interrupting my studies, whilst employers can benefit from the fresh injection of ideas and energy a student or recent graduate can bring to the business"
Louis Murdoch, 3rd yr Marketing ,Advertising & PR, Springboard Project at MAT Ltd.
What is the student’s role?
Before undertaking a Springboard Project, students are expected to:
- Be aware of, and work to, the terms and conditions of employment
- Work conscientiously and make a positive contribution
- Undertake projects identified by you
- Recognise their responsibilities as an ambassador of the University
- Ensure they can travel to your premises for the hours required
If you offer our students the opportunity to work with you, we will work to ensure all parties get the most out of the project.
What does the Placements Office do?
The Placements Office is there to support employers and students in all aspects of the recruitment process. As an employer, you can discuss the possibility of recruiting a student and provide a vacancy description or job advert.
The Placements Office will promote the role and provide a shortlist of CVs from suitable students for you to take forwards independently as per your usual recruitment process. There is no contract with the Business School once you have recruited a student, but the Placements Office can be used as a point of contact for support and advice.
What should I do if I want to recruit a student?
Contact our Placements office on placements@worc.ac.uk. We will be happy to tell you more and discuss your requirements. If you have never recruited a student before and would like to talk it through in more detail, we are very happy to do just that. Once you are happy that you would like to recruit a student through the Springboard programme we can advertise the role straight away.
Springboard students can be recruited at anytime of the year. Current students from all year groups are encouraged to apply for Springboard Projects, as well as recent graduates so rest assured there is always a good range of skills, experience and availability on offer for employers.
What will a student cost?
The majority of Springboard students are paid a salary. This salary will depend upon the nature of the role, the experience of the student and the location of the placement.
As with any position, the salary is a matter of negotiation between you and the student. During their time with the organisation the student will be an employee of your organisation and should be treated as such. However, voluntary roles can be considered on a case by case basis, taking into account the nature of the business, the work involved and the potential benefit to the student.