Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

This module gives students the opportunity to acquire and develop the necessary personal and subject specific skills, establish a link between training and industry and to prepare and plan for their future careers. The module aims to develop student ability to recognize and reflect upon the skills they build in the working situation and enhance their ability to capitalize on that experience. Students will be assessed on their reflection based on the work experience as well as the work itself.

With the assistance of Careers Service and IBERS staff, students will be expected to seek and secure appropriate full time employment (paid or unpaid) equivalent to a minimum of 30 weeks. During this time they will be expected to gain extensive experience of the workplace and of undertaking a working role. Specific targets will be set at the outset and by means of email and telephone communication (or electronic means such as Skype) and a visit (mainland UK only) from an academic supervisor as well as completion of assessed work and an employer’s report, students will be monitored and guided. A briefing package will be provided for all academic staff undertaking the role of work experience supervisor, defining key roles and responsibilities.
The work experience should be equivalent to 30 weeks of full-time, approved employment completed over a 12 month period following completion of year 2 and prior to commencing the Final Year (Year 4).

At the end of the working period, students will have submitted three pieces of coursework (more detail below) in which they reflect on their experience, identify skills which need to be developed (and opportunities for this), aimed at further enhancing their employability during the final year and beyond.

During years 1 and 2, all students will be briefed about the module (via online notices, a presentation and the tutorial system) and about the need to identify suitable work or voluntary opportunities. The careers service and IBERS Work Experience Co-ordinator will provide advice and help, as required. These opportunities will need to be approved by the Work Experience Co-ordinator (and appropriate checks made on health and safety aspects and insurance cover), but the aim is to accept as broad a range of opportunities as possible in line with the stated academic aim. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Work Experience Co-ordinator (and in consultation with academic staff if required), based on the student's programme of study. Students will complete the equivalent of 30 weeks of full-time work experience in an approved organization and location. Students will also be expected to compile a portfolio of the placement, containing:
a) An introductory report on the organization
b) An investigation/ case study completed during the work experience
c) Evidence of self-reflection on development during the work period, including an employer's report