Abstract
This article presents and discusses the results of a project that focussed on identifying new work-based learning opportunities for chemistry students. Firstly, we investigated whether typical chemistry employers, who traditionally host sandwich or year-long placements, are able to offer short-term (e.g. summer) placements as an alternative work-based learning experience. Secondly, we determined to what extent non-traditional employers of chemistry graduates are also able to offer relevant and appropriate placement opportunities for chemistry students.
Highlights
It is widely recognised that many science students benefit from industry-based experience during their undergraduate programmes and that work-based learning helps to improve prospects of graduate employment[1,2,3,4]
A variety of science and non-science related industries were approached, including engineering, manufacturing, retail, legal, financial, IT, environmental and public sectors, in order to determine whether non-traditional chemistry employers are able to offer relevant and appropriate short- and long-term placement opportunities for chemistry students
A summary report of each dialogue was written immediately following discussion interviews and attempts were made to keep responses within a set framework; due to the open nature of the consultations, not all areas were covered in detail and the extent depended on the relevance to the core business, time allowed and general interest
Summary
It is widely recognised that many science students benefit from industry-based experience during their undergraduate programmes and that work-based learning helps to improve prospects of graduate employment[1,2,3,4]. Employer hosts benefit from placements since they provide a ‘first look’ opportunity for potential recruitment and a tangible link into the development of undergraduate courses[4,5]. Several universities have run placement schemes for a number of years, typically, as year-long sandwich programmes; these have proved to be highly beneficial to students and hosts[6,7]. Despite the advantages of such schemes, the associated time and other resource commitments can prove unattractive to some student and employer hosts[4]. Shortterm placements are likely to be more attractive to students and employers who have concerns about the financial and time commitments required by year-long placements
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
