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Construction industry placements - enrolment


Contents

Introduction

This tool helps providers to:

  • write effective role descriptions for industry placements
  • work with employers to include specific information about the tasks the student will carry out
  • give students a clear picture of the role, what they can expect from the placement and what will be expected of them
  • match students to the roles that are most suited to their current skill set
  • manage the successful placement of students
  • work collaboratively and share information with curriculum staff and colleagues involved in organising industry placements

This helps employers to:

  • share relevant information about the tasks the student will carry out
  • share the responsibilities the student will have in their role
  • share what knowledge and skills the student needs before the placement
  • share what knowledge and skills the student should gain in the role

This helps students to:

  • decide if the placement matches their interests and meets their expectations
  • decide if the placement fits with their long-term career goals
  • understand what would be expected of them if they started the placement
  • evaluate their current knowledge, skills, and behaviours and think about what else they might need to do to perform well in the placement

How to use these resources

Select the relevant resources for your needs:

  1. What to expect from an industry placement in construction - writing role descriptions for industry placements
  2. Matching students to placements – template and examples of different approaches to the process
  3. Matching students to placements – checklist and template

Finding suitable students

Decide whether the templates can be used as they are or should be altered to suit your organisation.

If you are unclear about what knowledge; skills; and attributes, attitudes and behaviours are relevant to the placement, work with the curriculum team who will have in-depth knowledge of the T Level curriculum.

Examples of industry placement descriptions are included to show how they can be used for different circumstances.

Who are they for?

Share the template and examples with all staff involved in helping students select the placements. This will include: 

  • staff in employer engagement
  • T Level course leaders and tutors
  • the curriculum team
  • other staff involved in the placement design
  • student support staff
  • careers advisers
  • the employer

What to expect from an industry placement in construction

A placement role description provides an overview of the construction placement on offer. It should be agreed with the employer and can be used to:

  1. give students a clear picture of the role and what to expect
  2. help them decide whether it matches their interests and meets their expectations
  3. match students to the roles most suitable for them.

Template: placement role descriptions

Industry placement role description Template

Name and address of employer
  • name
  • address
Details of business
  • what they do
  • size of business/number of employees
  • who their clients are
Placement role
  • equivalent job title
Placement location
  • what department is the placement in?
  • what location is the placement based at?
  • will the student work across different departments/sites?
  • will the student work in a domestic, commercial, or industrial sites?
Work the student will carry out
  • type of work the student will be doing
  • list the specific job tasks the student will carry out
  • list examples of the tools/software/equipment/materials the student will use
  • list workplace-specific training that will be given
Knowledge the student needs before the placement
  • list the knowledge the student is expected to have before the placement starts
  • if you are unsure about what to include, work with the curriculum team on this
Knowledge the student will gain during the placement
  • list the knowledge the student is expected to gain during the placement
  • if you are unsure about what core and technical competencies to include, work with the curriculum team on this
Skills the student needs before the placement
  • list the skills the student is expected to have before the placement starts. Include:
  • transferrable skills
  • personal skills
  • soft and hard skills
  • if you are unsure about what to include, work with the curriculum team on this
 
Skills the student will gain during the placement
  • list the skills the student is expected to gain during the placement. Include:
    • transferrable skills
    • personal skills
    • soft and hard skills
    • relevant technical skills and core competencies
  • if you are unsure about what to include, work with the curriculum team on this
 
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student should have before the placement
  • list the essential attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student is expected to have before the placement starts. Include employability skills
  • if you are unsure about what to include, work with the curriculum team on this
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student will gain during the placement
  • list the essential attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student is expected to gain during the placement. Include employability skills
  • if you are unsure about what to include, work with the curriculum team on this
Who the student will work with
  • include their job roles and responsibilities:
    • site manager/team leader
    • mentor
    • colleagues
    • suppliers
    • customers
Hours and pattern of work
  • pattern of placement (day release/block release/hybrid)
  • the minimum total hours of work the student will have on the placement
  • daily hours
  • lunch break duration
  • any designated breaks
Other information
  • should the student provide their own lunch?
  • are any food outlets/shops nearby or is lunch available on site?
  • travel considerations. Will the student need to arrange their own travel or will transport be provided?
  • is there a uniform or dress code?
  • is personal protective equipment (PPE) needed?
  • if so, does the student need to take their own or will it be provided, including safety boots
Available progression routes after completion of the T Level
  • employment (what type?)
  • further education (which courses?)
  • higher education (which courses?)
  • professional certification (add specifics)

* Student and Employer to initial the role description and confirm they understand the requirements and expectations

Student initials                                                Date 

Employer initials                                             Date

 

Example 1: industry placement role description for building services engineering for construction - trainee electrician

Name and address of employer
  • AAJ Electrical Ltd
  • 22 North Street, Harlow, Essex, CM20 3JS
Details of business

What they do:

  • electrical design, installation, repairs, maintenance and testing

Size of business:

  • small to medium sized business

Who their clients are:

  • small to large domestic properties
  • small to large commercial properties/businesses
Placement role
  • trainee electrician
Placement location
  • no fixed location
  • work is in domestic and commercial properties/businesses across Essex
Work the student will carry out

Type of work:

  • electrical installation and maintenance on the interior and exterior of properties

Specific job tasks:

  • lighting installations and replacements
  • external lighting installation
  • domestic rewiring
  • socket outlet installation and replacement
  • installation and maintenance of electrical vehicle charging points
  • electrical fault finding

Examples of tools/software/equipment/materials used:

  • side cutters
  • VDE screwdrivers
  • voltage detector
  • trimming knife
  • combination and snipe nose pliers
  • pocket spirit level
  • tote bag

Workplace-specific training given:

  • health and safety training
Knowledge the student needs before the placement
  • knowledge of the equipment and tools that will be used
  • knowledge of health and safety (ECS or CSCS training will be provided)
  • basic recognition of prior learning (RPL)
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • math knowledge for understanding technical plans
Knowledge the student will gain during the placement
  • understanding electrical law
  • understanding safety regulations
  • understanding key electrical terms
  • understanding electrical generation
  • reading and understanding blueprints and site drawings
Skills the student needs before the placement
  • being able to operate hand and power tools in a safe and confident manner
  • being able to carry out basic instructions on a computer or hand-held device
Skills the student will gain during the placement
  • the ability to use, maintain and repair a variety of tools
  • cable, wiring, conduit and switch installation
  • customer service skills for working with colleagues and clients
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student needs before the placement
  • professional attitude – is polite and respectful to colleagues and customers
  • problem-solving behaviours – discusses clear steps to overcome challenges
  • effective communication – uses the most effective means of communication
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student will gain during the placement
  • teamwork – works effectively with other members of the team and with trade representatives
  • customer service approach – understands the client’s needs
  • resilience – working in a fast-paced environment
  • attention to detail – takes pride in the work
Who the student will work with
  • Dennis Lewin – senior electrician and mentor to student
  • Gary Wilson – electrician
  • Tom Sheridan – apprentice
Hours and pattern of work
  • two-day release on Mondays and Tuesdays
  • minimum of 315 hours over the duration of the industry placement
  • working hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm (7.5 hours per day)
  • 30-minute lunch break
  • designated breaks throughout the day
Other information
  • student to provide their own lunch
  • student will be going to different sites, so there may not always be a shop nearby
  • student will be picked up from home at 7.45am and taken to a specific site each day
  • PPE is needed – steel toe cap boots, workwear trousers, comfortable polo/jumper and hard hat
  • student will need to provide their own clothing and steel toe cap boots
  • employer will provide hi-vis and hard hat
Available progression routes after completion of the T Level
  • employment – electrician
  • further education – Level 4 Electrical Power Works Engineer Apprenticeship
  • higher education – BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering

* Student and Employer to initial the role description and confirm they understand the requirements and expectations

Student initials                                                Date 

Employer initials                                             Date

 

Example 2: industry placement role description for onsite construction - trainee carpenter

Name and address of employer

Main office:

  • AAJ Joinery Ltd
  • 22 North Street, Manchester, M20 3JS

Construction site:

  • Joinery Workshop
  • Darcey Common Estate, Manchester M1 1AD
Details of business

What they do:

  • carpentry, joinery and fitting services

Size of business:

  • small to medium sized business

Who their clients are:

  • subcontracted by large construction firms on new build home projects and sites
  • small to large domestic properties
  • small to large commercial properties
Placement role
  • trainee carpenter
 
Placement location
  • main placement in southern Manchester on a live construction project erecting new build homes
  • student will also work in the flagship joinery workshop based in central Manchester
  • student may also work on small projects in client’s homes or places of business
Work the student will carry out

Type of work:

  • site carpentry

Specific job tasks:

  • make and fit structures, for example, staircases, door frames and partition walls
  • cut and shape timber for floorboards, doors, skirting boards and window frames
  • install kitchens, cupboards and shelving
  • fit interiors in shops, bars, restaurants, offices and public buildings

Examples of tools/software/equipment/materials used:

  • work bench
  • vice
  • hand saw
  • mitre saw
  • back saw
  • bench chisel
  • screwdriver
  • impact driver
  • try square

Workplace-specific training given:

  • health and safety training
Knowledge the student needs before the placement
  • how to use the appropriate hand and power tools
  • knowledge of health and safety (CSCS trained)
  • basic recognition of prior learning (RPL)
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • maths knowledge for understanding technical plans
Knowledge the student will gain during the placement
  • how to use large table saws and jigsaws
  • reading and understanding blueprints
  • the structural framework of a new build house
  • sustainability practices
  • understanding wood grains
Skills the student needs before the placement
  • attention to detail – carpenters need to be precise in their work to make safe structures that last
  • dexterity – carpenters need to work on intricate parts and connections that require physical dexterity
 
Skills the student will gain during the placement
  • maths skills – carpenters use basic maths each day to ensure that there are enough building materials and that they are the appropriate size
  • physical stamina – carpenters may need to work long hours, handle heavy tools and building materials
  • physical strength: building materials are often heavy and must be carried or repositioned
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student needs before the placement
  • professional attitude – is polite and respectful to colleagues and customers
  • problem-solving behaviours – discusses clear steps to overcome challenges
  • effective communication – uses the most effective means of communication
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student will gain during the placement
  • teamwork – works effectively with other members of the team and trade representatives
  • customer service approach – understands the client’s needs
  • resilience – working in a fast-paced environment
  • attention to detail – takes pride in the work
 
Who the student will work with
  • Michael Stanwell – senior carpenter and mentor to student
 
Hours and pattern of work
  • six-week block placement from June to August
  • minimum of 240 hours over the duration of the industry placement
  • working hours are 8am to 4pm
  • student on site for 8am with regular toolbox talks/daily briefings starting at 8.15am
  • 45-minute lunch break
  • designated breaks throughout the day
 
Other information
  • student to provide their own lunch
  • local shops within walking distance
  • student will need to arrange their own transport
  • construction workwear is desirable – cargo trousers with utility pockets, steel toe cap boots, smart polo or plain T-shirt, plain sweater, light raincoat
  • student will need to provide their own clothing and steel toe cap boots
  • employer will provide hi-vis and hard hat
 
Available progression routes after completion of the T Level
  • employment – site carpenter
  • further education - Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship
  • higher education – Construction Management BSc (Hons)

* Student and Employer to initial the role description and confirm they understand the requirements and expectations

Student initials                                                Date 

Employer initials                                             Date

Example 3: industry placement role description for Design, surveying and planning for construction - quantity surveyor

Name and address of employer

Head office:

  • AAJ Construction Group
  • 22 North Street, Harlow, Essex, CM20 3JS

Project site:

  • Palmer’s Walk, 2–6 Braintree Street, Harlow, Essex. CM7 6HN
Details of business

What they do:

  • large commercial construction company
  • domestic and international infrastructure specialists
  • work on large engineering projects based in Essex

Size of business:

  • turnover of £1.2 billion per year
  • employ over 14,000 people
  • four regional offices

Who their clients are:

  • work alongside subcontractors on various sites
Placement role
  • quantity surveyor trainee
Placement location
  • based in the civil engineering projects team
  • based at the Essex head office
  • student will regularly visit the project site to observe the project management team
Work the student will carry out

Type of work:

  • office-based

Specific job tasks:

  • assisting with subcontractor management
  • assisting with material buying when required
  • preparing a breakdown of site costs
  • monitoring site costs
  • attending and contributing to various meetings
  • pricing customer extras and liaising with the sales department as necessary (overseen by the senior quantity surveyor)
  • measuring and quantifying dimensions, quantities and specifications related to materials, structures and designs
  • preparing tasks for interim application submissions

Examples of tools/software/equipment/materials:

  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)

Workplace-specific training given:

  • advanced Microsoft Office
  • IT system-based training
Knowledge the student needs before the placement
  • IT proficiency, including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • ability to adapt to new systems
  • understanding of the construction sector
  • knowledge of structural engineering
Knowledge the student will gain during the placement
  • reading and understanding site drawings
  • understanding and managing invoices and purchase forms
  • developing on-site construction knowledge by being site-based and involved in day-to-day site activities
Skills the student needs before the placement
  • organisational skills
  • phone etiquette
  • attention to detail and methodical approach to work
  • strong numeracy skills
Skills the student will gain during the placement
  • negotiation skills
  • strong numeracy and financial management skills
  • internal and external communication skills
  • increased IT proficiency
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student should have before the placement
  • analytical – able to analyse key pieces of information
  • motivated and has a willingness to learn new tasks and skills
  • enthusiastic with a genuine interest in the work – commitment to all aspects of the role
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student will gain during the placement
  • excellent attention to detail – making sure figures are documented correctly
  • ability to work well as part of a team as well as on their own initiative
  • communicating effectively with the team and giving regular updates on progress
  • office etiquette – understanding internal office relationships and practices
  • following all health and safety standards – particularly when visiting live sites
  • managing risk using PPE – obeying safety regulations on site
Who the student will work with
  • Jamie Benner – senior quantity surveyor and mentor to student
  • Cole Parson – site manager
Hours and pattern of work
  • two-day release on Mondays and Tuesdays (16 hours per week)
  • minimum of 315 hours over the duration of the industry placement
  • working hours are 8.30am to 5pm
  • 30-minute lunch break
  • designated breaks throughout the day
 
Other information
  • student to provide own lunch
  • head office is within walking distance of supermarkets and food outlets
  • student will need to arrange their own transport to head office
  • transport will be provided for site visits
  • office workwear is to be worn – smart trousers/skirt, smart shirt/top, smart shoes
  • student to provide their own clothing
 
Available progression routes after completion of the T Level
  • employment - trainee quantity surveyor or estimator
  • further education – Level 4 Construction Site Management Apprenticeship
  • higher education – Quantity Surveying BSc (Hons)

* Student and Employer to initial the role description and confirm they understand the requirements and expectations

Student initials                                                Date 

Employer initials                                             Date

 

 

 

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