Placement Learning at Harper Adams

Most undergraduate courses include a 12 month placement in a commercial environment.

Harper Adams places great importance on the placement period. Placement provides students with an opportunity for on-the-job training to produce a well-rounded individual with practical, interpersonal and business skills, and by the end of the course, the ability to take on managerial responsibility.

Student Benefits

• Apply the theory gained through their studies in a commercial or professional environment
• Acquire knowledge and experience to underpin studies in the later stages of the course
• Acquire practical, interpersonal and business skills needed in the workplace
• Develop and appreciation of management skills
• Provide experience on which to base future career plans

Harper Adams seeks to develop long term relationships with placement employers and has strong links with a large number of employers across a range of sectors. Each subject area has a Placement Manager responsible for advising students on suitable placements, supporting students in placement and liaising with employers.

Employer Benefits

A Harper Adams placement student can benefit businesses in a number of ways:

• New ideas and fresh enthusiasm
• Up to date knowledge of latest commercial developments, new technology and IT skills
• Cost effective additional staff resource
• Benefit from the latest research through closer links with the college
• Enable specific project work to be undertaken
• 'Try before you buy' with regard to graduate selection

Harper Adams students:

• Are good team workers
• Can think for themselves and get on with the job
• Can focus on business issues and solutions
• Resolve business problems effectively

Future Developments

• Improved access to College resources for students on placement
• Improved awareness of placement and graduate opportunities through closer links with employers
• Guidance for students and employers to help cope with disability in the work place
• Development and promotion of sector-wide good practice for placements in the rural economy

Guide to Employing Placement Students

In addition to our own course related notes on the placement process, employers might be interested in a booklet which has been produced by the National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) about employing a placement student, covering recruitment, induction, work planning, ensuring the most productive experience for both employer and student, and legal obligations. It can be reviewed and ordered through the following link: www.work-experience.org/ncwe.rd/products_64.jsp.

How to upload your vacancy...

Click on the course area in the left hand menu that is relevant to your business/organisation and view the information. You can then submit your details via our online vacancy form.

Contact Information