Industry Placement Planning Pilot Findings

Aim To share some good practice from research gathered from pilot providers during 2017/2018 on T Level planning and highlighting thoughts and considerations.

Some Pilot Findings Some employers were coming back after the 2 week blocks and saying they did not want the placement to continue. General reasoning for this seems to be either learner attitude or just not enough work to keep the learner engaged for 40 days. 3 out of 6 students on placements dismissed due to poor attendance. Need for a real plan and timeline - mapped out at the start so learner isn't sitting there doing nothing Placements need to gradually increase in responsibility/challenge, otherwise learners start to lose interest. If treated entirely as regular members of staff, then they felt they should be getting paid - this led to drop outs. Students felt they needed to feel valued, acknowledged and involved at their placement and to see a clear purpose to their attendance - specific projects, skills and how they will link to their future aspirations/careers.

Flexible/Non-negotiable Placements have to be external Minimum 315 hours Industry specific 10% Placements Flexible CDF used to support provision Duration models

Staffing Structures – Top Tips There is no one ideal model - sufficient resource is Key Employer Engagement Team SLT responsibility for IP (crucial) Operation Manager for overseeing all implementation (crucial) Ensure good communication across the board Hold regular meetings Create shared documents Secure staff buy-in (crucial) NB: The staff make the project happen. Their knowledge and understanding is key to success. They secure… commitment from employers encourage students, parents/guardians & employers

‘Staffing Structures Responsibilities Senior Leadership Team (SLT): helps set the budget, determine the strategy of industry placements ensure all necessary staff are engaged Team/representative(s) responsible for IP: approach and secure buy-in from employers engage with the students match students with industry placements ensure placements are appropriately aligned to the students’ interests manage the industry placements Curriculum teams: involved in the planning when placements should be when they best complement curriculum assess student readiness for placement

Industry Placement Key Considerations Top Tips: Create a Gantt chart / timeline Involve SLT & key staff at key points Conduct meetings with curriculum teams before Spring Term to plan for a September or January start Agree delivery models prior to curriculum timetabling Gain buy-in from curriculum teams as soon as possible Inform students during enrolment period IP is key feature Remind students again during induction week in September Present positive opportunities of industry placement Conduct information sessions with students to ensure they are aware of the requirements for IP

Integrating into the Curriculum Plan Timescales Planning IP into the curriculum early is key to success Align the curriculum and placement to ensure they complement each other If no alignment between the placement and student learning it is possible for curriculum leaders to take less interest in the placement and for it to not be prioritised

Duration Models – 315 Hours One block Including: Spring block (all students in a course going out in Spring term) Summer block (all students in a course going out in Summer term) Spring or Summer (some students on a course going out in Spring, and some in Summer) Multiple Blocks Including: Short block + long block Multiple shorter blocks throughout the year 1 day release Including: Autumn start, 1 day a week 2/3 days release Including: Autumn start, 2 days a week Block first, then day release Including: Short block + 2 days a week Short block + 1 day a week Day release first, then block(s) Including: Day release then short Spring or Summer block Day release plus short blocks throughout the year

Communication Strategies Communications Plan Students/Parents/Guardians Be clear from the outset what is expected Present benefits of IP in the wider context Information events for Parents & Guardians Plan for contingencies Assess students wider responsibilities Assess students aspirations & readiness Launch events are suggested for students, employers and parents

Communication Strategies Curriculum team and industry placement team Staff Equally an internal event and briefing pack for staff is recommended Vital there is a good line of communication between teams - Supports good working relationship Lack of support from curriculum staff can hinder progress. Prioritising curriculum planning/staff inclusion will make later stages easier Invite employers to speak with students Marketing document for use with employers

Immediate Priorities Business Development Learner Engagement Learner Preparation Matching

Activity In groups agree what actions belong to which timelines. Timeline on the left and actions to the right. We will then compare your conclusions.

Group Discussion In your groups please discuss your findings from the presentation and group activity and give responses to the specific questions on the sheet - 3 questions from (1-5) and three questions from (A-E). Allocate one group member to scribe brief notes of your findings on the flipchart. Feedback you findings to the wider group.

Group Discussion Is the project plan similar to what you are experiencing within your organisations? Are you really clear on what needs to happen? What concerns do you have? Within your organisation T Level plan what causes you to feel the most pressure? What would need to happen in order for you to feel more comfortable with your project plan? What strategies could you use to approach this? What key questions does this raise for you and your organisation? What changes do you feel need to be made within your organisation to roll-out industry placements? What do you feel your organisational strengths and weaknesses are in terms of your T Level plan? How have others in your group dealt with similar issues?